Ubuntu

Drawn from the book

“Ubuntu” – An inspiring story about an African tradition of teamwork and collaboration”

by Stephen Lundin and Bob Nelson, 2010

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 achievements of others. So Ubuntu is very low on Ego stuff which is often so dominantly present in our private and work environments.

The focus of most people’s attention is often on our differences, despite the fact that it doesn’t really matter who you are, what you look like and where you live, and despite the fact that we have similar values and essentially the same genes. Still, we often focus on our differences – Arab and Jew, Catholic and Protestant, Muslim and Christian, liberal and conservative, the color of our skin, and many more possible differences.

This is different if you live and work according to the ‘spirit’ of Ubuntu.

Ubuntu means –

I am because we are.

Ubuntu means –

A way of life, a way of being.

Ubuntu means –

We’re all in this together.

Ubuntu means –

Being busy is no excuse for avoiding the things that matter most.

Ubuntu means –

A philosophy that considers the success of the group above that of the individual.

Ubuntu means –

If you allow differences to define a relationship, you will always be at odds with others.

Ubuntu means –

Asking: “What do we have in common?”, and “How can we best work together?”.

Ubuntu means –
In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments, there are just consequences.

What can Ubuntu bring you and your organization?