Worknow_Aotearoa_NZ

Leading yourself; to see yourself as others see you

I attended the launch of the Otago University MBA Mentoring Programme last night and am well impressed with the caliber of talent they have drawn together. It’s an emergent and future focused initiative that will no doubt add immense value for students while allowing business people to give back.

In the official speech Mr Ian Flattery of the MBA, told the story of watching the Lion King and explaining to his youg son the meaning of the word  “philosophy” as used in one of the songs.

“Son” he said, “philosophy is about what is important to you, the things that you value.”

“So then your philosophy is work and renovation!”

The charming and funny parable, which speaks of knowing how others see us,  was an analogy for the inherent value of the mentoring programme, which creates an environment for the types of constructive feedback that will enhance the leadership styles of tomorrows leaders.

Leadership, the collective capacity to create things of value.

Networking, connecting and collaborating -  whatever the purpose -  talking and working with others is one of the best parts of my job. Last night I went to represent not just myself and Worknow but also an amazing community that I belong to called The Distiller.

The Distiller is a community of young web entrepreneurs based (primarily) out of the Centre For Innovation on the Otago University Campus. We support and encourage each other, offer feedback and share the highs and lows of the new venture journey, together. It is organic, collaborative business community at its best, one which provides a shining example of an environment

“…overwhelmingly governed by the trust/reputation/community approach…” Source

The Distiller also emphasises for me the collective nature of leadership; the realisation of collective potential, working with others in a concerted endeavour to create something of value to all involved.  I am so thankful and immensely privileged to be part of such a great group of people. You guys Rock!

Tall Poppy Syndrome

I came across thinksmall and a conversation on tall poppy syndrome which raised the issue of our cultural tendency to:-

pulls kiwis down for high achieving, and jumps on those who fail on the way

Two solutions were already proposed:

• Recognising & Awarding World Class Kiwi’s
• Learning to Laugh at Ourselves

Entrepreneurial Education

I love solutions so I mentioned one that has the potential to make a great difference. Entrepreneurial Education a la Onehunga High. Not only because this is a great example of much needed educational reform but because Tall Poppy Syndrome has strong connotations, for me, of high school.

Ashamedly, it was during my high school years that I learned, experienced and participated in this type of ignorance hence I believe schools have a large part to play in allowing this attitude to develop.

Our education system is designed to help establish cultural norms and it is time that the New Zealand Curriculum Framework adapted and aligned itself with a future of work which I believe will be more entrepreneurial, sustainable and flexible.