UBUNTU And Leadership Lessons
- Oct 19, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 14, 2022
Written by: Claire Muller, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Ubuntu is a South African word and philosophy. Ubuntu is a building block in society. In Zulu, it is only a part of the Zulu phrase "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu", meaning that a person is a person through other people. Colloquially Ubuntu has a few definitions, and the most commonly known is "I am because you are" or collectively, which conveys in the phrase "I am because of who we all are." Simplified, be humane, and see the human in another.
We live in an era where inclusion and diversity are buzzwords, where actions and words or the lack thereof, are easily misunderstood and misused, resulting in offence to others.
We can all use this simple yet powerful philosophy in our daily lives, relationships and business.
What can leaders learn and adopt from Ubuntu?
While this may be common knowledge to the seasoned leader, this is a gentle reminder.
1. Ask questions. The reporting team know what's going on operationally and on the ground. The right questions can save time and money or avoid potential problems. The right questions elicit valuable information in the answers received. Ask open questions that provide information and can't be answered by a yes or no. Ask questions about their personal lives, be genuine and show you care about them and what's important to them. Approach questioning with an innocent curiosity and not as an interrogation.
2. Listen to understand and increase engagement in the team. We all want a listening ear. With two ears and one mouth, listen more than speak. The quickest way to have an alienated team member is for that team member to feel unheard. Being heard implies that their input is welcomed, considered and valued.
3. Learn from every interaction and situation. We know a lot, but we do not know everything. It's almost impossible. Good or bad, there are always lessons learnt. It demonstrates the leader as human.
4. Knowledge shared empowers the team. Transparency encourages trust in teams. It builds trust and respect for team members, being included, communicated with and valued. Share the lessons learned. It promotes and enables two-way communication.
5. Support the individuals and team; being empathetic and approachable can go a long way. As leaders, the support of the team and individuals is necessary to drive strategy, commitment and growth. Supported team members are more likely to alert leaders of potential problems before they arise. Be polite, considerate, and inclusive, treating all with dignity and respect to build trust and healthy working relationships. Support is reciprocal.
6. Depend; we can't do it all on our own. We need help. Team members appreciate feeling valued and supported to add value. It also expresses confidence in their ability and skills, encouraging working autonomously and team; and providing necessary feedback.
7. Appreciate their efforts and express gratitude for executing a task and their role in the organization's growth and success. A genuine thank you and recognition will encourage more of the same behaviour.
8. The people employed at the organization are the most significant asset. With inclusion, everybody is invited and welcome. It's best illustrated through hospitality and being hospitable. In the corporate world, if everyone is welcome, it would stimulate participation, foster engagement and nurture ideas. It speaks to the organization's culture and leadership.
Leadership is not just a title; the need for effective and authentic leaders is rising. Leaders with 'heart' are needed as everything evolves with the times. Amidst the uncertainty of current times and underlying fears, heart-led leadership could lighten the load on the leader, team and organization.
How to include Ubuntu in the culture of your organization?
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Reflection
We are all human. We breathe, we hurt or are hurt, we bleed when injured, we all have our battles, and we make mistakes. We are similar in many ways and the polar opposite in as many ways. We need each other. Relationships are essential in our personal and professional lives. Show you care. It's a gentle reminder of the golden rule ‒ do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Ubuntu is the essence of being human and seeing it in another.
Claire Muller, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Claire Muller has 23 years of experience and worked in corporate and government institutions. She is a qualified trainer and assessor, helping organizations with leadership development. She is a certified NLP Practioner, and her coaching toolbox includes Life, Business, Executive, Abundance, Creativity, Enneagram and Hypnotherapy. Claire's forte is Personal Mastery and love's mindset work, challenging limiting beliefs and thinking patterns and reframing those thoughts with positivity. She believes in self-development and is in the process of completing her masters in NLP. Her passion is to serve and empower others, coaching Leaders and Executives from around the globe.
