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.