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The London Times Online recently featured a video about intercultural communication, "Masai Masterclass". A management consulting firm, ChangeMaker International, brought in a group of Masai warriors to teach British businesspeople about how to develop skills that will help them through tough economic times.
The article said:
One of the key aspects of [Masai] culture is a sense of community. It keeps them together; it makes them stronger and everyone has a say. Young or old, all members of the tribe are given high levels of responsibility and they take pride in themselves and the part they play in the community. When asked by a member of the audience what qualities the Masai look for in their leaders, Emmanuel, one of the Masai elders said: "patience, courage and the ability to ask questions".
The Masai say that the same philosophy can be applied to business. "One head is not so wise" is a saying at the core of their culture and they believe that businessmen and women shouldn?t be too proud to seek advice from other members of their organisations, no matter how junior. Companies should also think nomadically by clarifying their cattle (that?s customers and capital), defining their green pastures (marketing opportunities), and focusing on getting the two together.
I recommend viewing the video as it is a fascinating look at the possibility of applying values and information and lessons learned from one culture to situations within another culture.
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