I SEE YOU

Among the tribes of northern Natal in South Africa, the most common greeting, equivalent to "hello" in English, is the expression : Sawu bona. 

It literally means, "I see you". If you are a member of the tribe, you might reply by saying Sikhona, "I am here". The order of the exchange is important: until you see me, i do not exist. It's as if, when you see me, you bring me into existence.

This meaning, implicit in the language, is part of the spirit of Ubuntu, a frame of mind prevalent among native people in Africa below the Sahara. 

The word Ubuntu stems from the folk saying Umuntu ngumuntu nagabantu, which from zulu, literally translates as "A person is a person because of other people".  

If you believe in this perspective, your identity is based upon the fact that you are seen – that the people around you respect and acknowledge you as a person.

The Ubuntu ethic often clashes with the culture of organizations. And nowadays with the virtual work from home if leaders do not switch on their videos during online meetings, online sessions it would be seen as a sign of disrespect under the Ubuntu ethic – it would imply that you felt that person did not exist.

Reflections:

1. How can you practice and nurture the Ubuntu ethic with your teams?
2. Can practicing Ubuntu ethic make you a Leader of Choice?
3. Can practicing Ubuntu ethic nurture Psychological safety for your team members?
4. Can Ubuntu ethic create new wave as part of emergent behaviours for driving change and develop new corporate habits?
5. What if the Ubuntu ethic becomes the fulcrum and acts as an engagement driver in your organization? How would you leverage and create segway as part of your People practices and processes?

I see you and am glad you are here reading and reflecting on the above.

Would love to hear your views on the comments