Leadership Lessons from Mashatu Game Reserve - Botswana

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to join a select group of business partners for a strategy session at Rock Camp in Mashatu Private Game Reserve, Botswana. The setting was breathtaking, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature and far from the distractions of modern life. As we gathered around the campfire on the first evening, the Senior Partner set the tone for our time together with a simple yet profound agenda:

• Disconnect from the digital world: There would be no music, TV, or internet access, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural world and break away from the constant buzz of technology.
• No work discussions: The purpose of our time together was not to delve into work-related matters but to relax, unwind, and recharge our batteries.
• Embrace nature: The primary goal was to get in touch with nature, whether through wildlife sightings or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the African bush.
• Relax, eat, drink, and sleep: We were encouraged to indulge in the simple pleasures of life, enjoying delicious meals, refreshing drinks, companionship, and restful sleep under the starlit sky.

This unique approach to a strategy session was a refreshing change of pace, allowing us to rejuvenate our spirits and gain a new perspective on our work and lives. It was a reminder of the importance of taking time to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the natural world around us.

A bit about the Mashatu Game Reserve:????

Mashatu, formerly known as the Tuli enclave, derives its name from the Setswana term meaning 'land of the giants.' This region is renowned for its rich wildlife, including large herds of elephants, the world's tallest mammal—the giraffe, the world's largest antelope—the eland, the world's largest bird—the ostrich, and the world's heaviest flying bird—the kori bustard. Additionally, Mashatu is abundant with iconic baobab trees, adding to its unique and diverse ecosystem.

During my Certified Reinvention Practitioner (CRP) training, we explored biomimicry and its relevance to business and leadership. The bush experience provided us with invaluable insights and new perspectives, including:

Mashatu Tree: The Mashatu tree (Nyala tree) symbolises key aspects of leadership. Its resilience and adaptability in diverse environments, represented by its drooping branchlets and dense canopy, reflect qualities leaders must embody. Like the Mashatu tree, leaders should be resilient and adaptable to challenges, providing a nurturing environment for their team to thrive. The tree's strength in unity, with branches supporting its canopy, mirrors the importance of teamwork in leadership. Additionally, the deep roots of the Mashatu tree signify the need for leaders to have a strong foundation of knowledge and experience. Integrating these symbolic meanings can help leaders embody qualities such as resilience, adaptability, inclusivity, teamwork, and a strong foundation, essential for effective leadership.

Rock-splitting fig tree: The rock-splitting fig tree (Ficus cordata), is known for its remarkable ability to grow in rocky environments through a process called "biological weathering." This tree sends its roots deep into crevices, gradually widening them over time, eventually causing rocks to split. In Botswana, these fig trees symbolise nature's resilience and the transformative power of perseverance. They serve as a metaphor for leadership resilience and adaptability. Like the fig tree, leaders must persevere in challenging environments, finding innovative solutions and driving positive change. Just as the fig tree transforms its surroundings, leaders can have a transformative impact, inspiring their teams to overcome obstacles and thrive.

Zebra: The zebra was chosen as Botswana's national animal in 1981 for its lovable and harmless nature, reflecting qualities important to the people. Its black and white stripes symbolise national unity and are featured on the country's coat of arms. This symbolism reminds leaders to connect personally with their teams, foster inclusivity and unity, and be flexible and adaptable in facing challenges.

Kori Bustard: The Kori Bustard, Botswana's national bird, is one of the world's largest flying birds, with males weighing up to 18 kilograms and standing over 1 metre tall. Known for its elaborate courtship displays, it inflates its neck pouch and emits deep calls to attract mates. Despite its size, the Kori Bustard's ability to fly reflects resilience, teaching leaders to persevere. Its courtship displays, inflating its neck pouch and emitting deep calls, require courage, inspiring leaders to step out of their comfort zones. The bird's presence and strategic rituals highlight the importance of leadership presence, vision, and strategy. Overall, the Kori Bustard symbolises adaptability, resilience, courage, and strategic vision essential for effective leadership.

Lion-Giraffe Kill: Observing a recent lion-giraffe kill, our game ranger explained how lions coordinate, and with careful planning and coordination, isolate the giraffe from its herd. As we observed the feeding order of different animals and birds, we gained insight into the natural order and interdependence within the ecosystem. The coordinated effort of the lion pride demonstrates the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving complex goals. Their strategic planning and execution highlight the need for leaders to think ahead and adapt to challenges, while being persistent and resilient. These observations serve as a powerful reminder of the key principles of teamwork, strategy, resilience, and fairness that are essential for effective leadership.

And so, totally rested and enriched by this experience, we returned to our respective places of work with new insights and perspectives, taught by nature!

Crafted by Jeanette Head? ?