UBUNTU!
An Inspiring Story About an
African Tradition of Teamwork and Collaboration
By Dr. Bob Nelson and Dr. Stephen Lundin

In Ubuntu!, the authors share the story of John Peterson, a new manager in the credit department at a major bigbox retailer, who is struggling in his job. The people under him are not working as well or effectively as they need to, and his department is falling behind in meeting its goals. His only solution is to take on more work himself, burning the midnight oil and coming in most weekends to pick up the slack and keep his department above water. When one of the employees stays behind to help him—a young man who came to America from a small village in Africa—he learns of the ancient wisdom and hidden power of the African philosophy of Ubuntu (the philosophy that considers the success of the group above that of the individual). Before long, it begins to change the way he thinks about the people he works with, about himself, and about how he runs his department and his life. Through the telling of John’s story, the authors reveal the core elements of the African philosophy of Ubuntu, as well as uncover its business applications that any manager or professional can apply. By the end of the story John has not only turned his department around with Ubuntu but the bigbox retailer has taken on the philosophy of Ubuntu as a corporate way of life.

OB applies to Ubuntu in that they both focus on the individual, group and organization. The book and Ubuntu examines organizations as a whole, how they are structured and operate in the environments, and the effects of their operations on all levels. Just as Organizational Behavior seeks to improve organizational effectiveness and the quality of life at work, Ubuntu has the power to reshape the workplace, relationships with our co-workers and in our personal lives. Just as OB seeks to improve organization justice, the philosophy of Ubuntu seeks to promote equality in the workplace. Managers should present procedures in a dignified and respectful way. The three key points about motivation (arousal, direction and maintaining) are part of the philosophy of Ubuntu. Ubuntu describes how motivated employees help improve companies performance. John’s department suffered due to employee motivation. Once the philosophy of Ubuntu was put to play, his department began to change. Not only did his department’s performance and quality of work increase, his relationship with his employees also was enhanced.

I loved the book! Ubuntu was a quick read but very informative. It’s a motivational book and I found myself thinking how can I work Ubuntu into my work life. It’s a book I would give to a new manager as it looks at what happens to the super employee that is made a manager with absolutely no training or the skills to be a manager. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and even successful sports teams—Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics credit Ubuntu for their 2008 national championship win. What do great leaders have in common? They live by principles that are espoused in Ubuntu! The teachings in Ubuntu! cannot only help us improve relationships with others, these teachings can help us make peace with ourselves and be proud of the way we are living our lives.