“Stories are just data with a soul.” Brené Brown

In the 2011 Rugby World Cup year, our Manu Samoan rugby team flew into Australia. We went into the game against Australia as the massive underdogs. We had a team full of professional players scattered across the globe. We had recently completed the Pacific Nations Cup games and our final game before the Rugby World Cup was against the Australian team. 

Ubuntu-I am Because We are

The African proverb of Ubuntu aligns with team sports and how the individual composed of a different part of a team-the machine. The system relies on all peoples contributing effortlessly ensuring success and productivity in certain parts of the field. Ubuntu is about the people and collective togetherness looking after each and everyone's wellbeing. Holistically this African proverb relates to Pasifika indigenous ways of leadership in particular the ancient Samoan proverb. 

O le ala I le Pule o le Tautua

The Pathway to leadership is through Service

Servant leadership is a universal term of helping others collaboratively. Who you can help and grow in your team. Your values are important in serving others and turning up every day consistently. The biggest challenge lays ahead for our workforce. Importantly the opportunities are in front of you and your people are your most important part of your organisation. 

Servant Leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling up your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win. In that situation, they don't work for you, you work for them. Ken Blanchard

In a talk with world-renowned Executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, Professor Sanyin Siang talks about the importance of your reactions to feedback. As leaders feedback is needed in times of crisis and to be open-minded on how it can either help you or make the other person not come back to you! Which one would you prefer? Leading with empathy is crucial in times of crisis. Let your people know you understand the situation and that you are open to feedback on how you can lead and help them in these challenging times. 

Leading teams virtually is a similar approach to which you would need to be aware of the complexities of home life. Research is showing that you work longer at home than at work and the balance has shifted to the extremities where life balance is urgently needed. Implement the learnings of earlier lock-downs to be kind to self and others, to be empathetic and to lead in serving your team and colleagues.

Ubuntu and Tautua are words that are engrained in the culture and indigenous traditions. Once you know your purpose of serving others then it can be a much smoother transition that will take a while. Nothing ever good happens overnight so you need to be strategic and implement empathy, kindness and gratitude.

I entered the arena with less than twenty minutes on the clock. We hang in there playing together as men possessed. We continue to defend our line and gain possession and take control. Time is up and the halfback kicks the ball out. We create history as the first Samoan team to win against the Australian Wallabies team.