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As we approach the end of the year, filled with heartwarming messages and reflections, I feel compelled to address a critical issue — the unacceptable behavior that persists in our leadership cultures.
Character assassination is not just a personal attack; it’s a destructive force against collective progress and potential. When someone shares negative remarks about another in their absence, it reveals more about their character than about the person they discuss.
In my upbringing and throughout my career, I’ve been taught to value integrity and honesty, and although I’ve slipped off the track more times than I’d like, they’ve been a great guide – especially in the face of misinformation. These are the traits that should define our leadership. The old patriarchal, capitalist playbook of manipulation, greed, selfishness, and ego does nothing but erode the very foundations of trust and respect we strive to build. This is not about enhancing one’s mana (prestige and spiritual power); it’s about diminishing it.
When someone has said something crappy about me to you, I can see it in your eyes and sense the internal raru (conflict) within you, as you try to work me out. Is she ‘that’ chick? Is this a mask? Is she a dick?
Because of what we’ve been told, we are waiting to see the crappiness, therefore, we miss all the good stuff. 3% crap 97% great – all we see is the 3%. This isn’t human nature, it’s human evolution. O’ species evolve.
Mana enhancement in Te Ao Māori involves uplifting oneself and others through actions that are honest, transparent, and constructive. It’s about fostering environments where people can thrive, not just survive. We need to live by, and model this ourselves – everyday. Are we all doing it? Nope.
Before we step into the festive cheer, let’s commit to evolving beyond outdated behaviors that threaten our collective well-being.
Let’s start by calling out these damaging behaviors and proposing a better way:
Engage directly, speak with respect, and always aim to enhance the mana of everyone involved in our professional and personal circles. This approach isn’t just about maintaining decorum; it’s about building a society that upholds dignity and respect for all. Because, eventually, the lack of these principles, and our silence, will be our undoing – which is evident throughout our shared history.
As leaders, we must ensure our actions and words contribute to a culture of growth and empowerment. Model our future, today💯 How are you enhancing the mana of those around you?