Worknow_Aotearoa_NZ

Our Intent

–noun
1. something that is intended; purpose; design; intention
2. the act or fact of intending, as to do something
3. the state of a person’s mind that directs actions toward a specific object.
4. meaning or significance.

“We aspire to create a world class business that helps people & effects change” Co Founders May 2009.

Social Entrepreneurship

It may be the Gen Y catchphrase du jour yet it encapsulates our endeavor to combine the best of both  “non-profit” and “for profit” business models.

Rather than being opposite ends of a scale we believe there is a middle ground where the realms of “non profit” and “for profit” business combine for the greater good.

And it would seem we are far from the only people thinking like this with terms like philantrocapitalism, natural capitalism, capitalism 3.0, venture philanthropy and philanthropreneur being coined to define the synergy.

To be always learning

Yet it wasn’t inspired TED talks that led us to think this way.  We’ve studied, watched and learned. We’ve been inspired and gained insight from those that went before us.

Our entrepreneurial spirit makes us increasingly willing to take risks,  to experiment, to make mistakes and learn from them while today’s technology allows us to connect,  share and collaborate in new, more effective ways.

Our efforts to effect change, by necessity must begin small. Yet we believe this Time Trade tool, in the hands of creative, collaborative people has the potential to transform  communities and enhance the way we work together.

“…BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE…” Ghandi

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.