AUDIO - Leadership Through The Ubuntu African Philosophy

Nancy Author

"In Africa, there is a concept known as 'ubuntu' - the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others." 

- Nelson Mandela

You and I have a purpose in life.

We each have an assignment or a race to run, based on that unique purpose. And at some point in life, many of us wonder what the reason for our existence is.

Have you ever asked yourself that question? I sure have. It’s not an easy one to answer.

Without being presumptuous in assuming I know a one-size-fits-all solution to how someone can find their purpose, I believe having a big-picture vision that goes beyond ourselves can help us answer that question.

Because no man is an island, successfully fulfilling our purpose will always involve other people.

And just as no one can do your press-ups for you, no one can live your purpose for you. Like runners in our individual lanes, we can each run with faith and patience.

They say, "stick to your lane," but in this episode, you'll discover why that mindset may not always be the most human approach.

We explore teamwork and the idea that life is not merely about pursuing success at all costs. It’s not about elbowing each other out of the way or engaging in underhanded tactics to get ahead.

Instead, it's about honoring our shared humanity and embracing collaboration over competition, because there is enough success to go around.

The Ubuntu African Philosophy — "I am because we are."

And no, Ubuntu IS NOT about self-abandoning, co-dependency, playing small, or overfunctioning.

"Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected, and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity."  - Bishop Desmond Tutu

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In this episode, you'll uncover the leadership benefits of Ubuntu and the importance of genuinely looking out for and uplifting others. Even if it sometimes means you slow down for a moment.

Today's short story (hadithi in Kiswahili) illustrates the significance of supporting one another as we navigate life because we're interconnected.

Philosophically speaking, as human beings at the end of the day, we're all just walking each other home.

Enjoy the journey!

P.S. This is an episode from before rebranding and other changes; hence the difference in names.

Thank you for being here today and supporting me.

If you feel inclined, please share the episode and/or your thoughts below.

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Are you ready to embrace Ubuntu for the benefit of your or your team's performance?

To discover how I can support you, CLICK HERE.

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