We are all feeling a mix of emotion given
the recent elections in the USA. Not only the country, but the world is
reeling. The results offer up many questions. One key question is that of leadership.
What is good leadership? Does character matter? What are the values of a good
leader? Does that even matter? If the leader defines the culture what kind of
leadership is required to create a winning and humane culture? Is it a Hunger
Games culture or an Ubuntu culture?
The Hunger
Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, so mesmerized my teen daughter that I
decided to have a closer look. I cheated and watched the movie of the first
book and could see why young people would love the series. The novel describes a community and its
struggle for self-preservation. The culture is one of control from the top and
survival of the fittest. Ego is king (or queen) and drives behavior. People
are pitted against each other in a conflict that mostly results in death. There
is a constant desire for revenge, and a pervasive sense of fear and judgement. The
characters have to call on their very best survival skills in order to stay
alive. Some do, some don’t.
Is it a ‘Hunger Games’ culture leaders should
create so that team work, prosperity and innovation can thrive in their organization?
Or, perhaps is it culture of Ubuntu.
Ubuntu means "I am what I am because of who we all
are." It is an ancient African philosophy. Archbishop Tutu says, "A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others,
affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good,
based from a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she
belongs in a greater whole …." An Ubuntu culture has a strong foundation
of moral decency, fairness and goodness.
Mandela describes it in this way, “In
Africa there is a concept know as Ubuntu – the profound sense that we are human
only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in
this world, it will be in equal measure due to the work and achievement of
others.”
When Mandela was released from 27 years in
prison, he invoked the spirit of Ubuntu by not seeking revenge but
reconciliation, not violence, but peace. He expected people to be held accountable
for their actions and frowned on sub-standard behavior. He called on people to
be respectful, to promote and value the wellbeing of others.
Ubuntu is
the ultimate winning strategy. There is competition, but in essence it is a cohesive,
supportive culture where people strive to collaborate. It is open and not divisive
which fosters communication and support of others enabling a free flow of
ideas. With this comes a confidence to air opinions, examine processes and critique
old ways of doing things. And, with this comes solutions to massively complex
problems and previously unseen opportunities growth and improvement are revealed.
There is a culture of continuous improvement.
In an Ubuntu
culture there is an absence of ego in the leader. Ego brings with it a feeling
of lack. If you have a good idea and I don’t, then I am lacking in good ideas
and may want to diminish you. Ego is win-lose. The Ubuntu leader celebrates good
ideas and supports team members (which may include forthright feedback) because
the leader knows “together we are better”. Ubuntu is win-win. Ego stirs a sense
of separateness because ego isolates. It draws you into a protectionist zone
where you feel the need to fiercely defend your turf. My ego does not my
weaknesses to be exposed I will cover it up or bring you down. This is
indicative of a scarcity mentality. Ubuntu promotes an abundance mentality
gratefully accepting feedback (even though it may sting a little) as an opportunity
for growth.
Imagine how effective teams, communities and families (and countries) could be in an Ubuntu culture. A culture of accountability, not blame; one of desire to get the very best out of each person and not to belittle or hurt; to affirm the goodness in others, not to belittle their humanity. Where high standards of interaction and work ethic are upheld, where people respect one another and seek to build relationships. This creates a healthy culture of respect and generosity of spirit, and inspires and motivates people to be their best. They become filled with confidence in self and others. They play to their strengths and encourage others to do the same. This is a culture of excellence and one where people and ideas thrive.
Where do you see your team’s or company’s or
country’s culture? What is your role as a leader? Is it not time now to invoke
this spirit of Ubuntu so that we can lead with moral courage and love for the
sake of our people, our organization and to model for our children, that in
spite of what they are seeing and hearing, there is a righteous way to lead?
Right now, the world has need of leaders.
Leaders who are men and women of character, who are courageous, grounded in
universal values of love, honesty and who seek to find and release the good in
others. The world has need of such leaders now more than ever before. The spirit
of Ubuntu leadership that emerges from an ancient African philosophy enables a
leadership culture that is values driven and that inspires success through
collaboration and compassion.
By Peter Dry 2016
