Being Maori, I was raised with a cultural notion of collective and collaborative action.
As a child my mum and her brother and sisters would spend hours developing their collective world view. To onlookers it could have seemed that they simply talked and argued, often, about the same issues.
Yet, such a simplistic point of view belies the nuances of tribal etiquette that are integral to creating collective purpose. Simple rules that can and should be applied throughout society. For instance:-
When making a decision or deciding on a course of action that affects others, everyone is allowed the chance to voice their opinion.
Inevitably multiple opinions leads to conflict but it is important to recognise this as part of the process, rather than a problem. The discussion should continue for as long as takes for everyone to be heard.
It’s not about majority rule, tribal communities were never a democracy. Leaders must make decisions for others to follow.
Followers need not necessarily agree because in having their voice heard and in listening to others there now exists a shared understanding of why the decision is made.
Tribal etiquette can help build a shared sense of purpose and strengthen teams when we:-
Encourage and support collaborative process that openly allow people to offer their opinion or point of view.
Recognise that conflict is natural and inevitable, it can even be constructive. Note though, it has taken me many years to realise that many people do not share this understanding.
Don’t take conflict too personally, we all have the right to disagree.
Value constructive criticism, what better way to refine and craft ones thinking than to have it challenged.
Worknow is a community and marketplace to help people find, connect and work together
The greater our collective purpose the more shared intelligence we build together the stronger we become.
I have aspired to building a startup company since the day I realised that I could positively help people by creating new jobs. Thank you, Arthur Jordan (FiL) for broadening my view of the world to include enterprise development and inspiring me to purse what is now a passion for new ventures
Connecting with others
Since then I have orientated towards other successful entrepreneurs and outstanding leaders who have also taught and inspired me:-
This includes the two talented young men with whom I have the privilege of working:
* Jamie Mac Donald
* Joshua Vial
Not Y but We – Generation Change Agents
I am inspired and excited to have met many rising stars of late and I looking forward to meeting and working along side many more of you in the future.
We do not need research or statistics to know that we, the youngest generation in the workforce, are the future of new business creation in Aotearoa.
The more we work together the stronger we are. I hope to find others that share this belief and connect us so that we can help each other.
About the Author
I was blessed with a family that taught me the importance of love and faith, adventure and trust. I am eternally grateful for the people that I love. I can never thank you all enough but I love you and I trust that love is enough.
