If you haven’t read the book Tribal Leadership you should stop what you’re doing and go order a copy now. No, wait. First you should finish reading this article. Then you should go order a copy, or download the mp3 and listen to it. You can thank me later.
Tribal Leadership offers an ideal framework for creating and working with teams far more effectively and harmoniously. In addition to offering this framework, the book provides innovative strategies and tools to help teams identify and accomplish their true objectives.
Tribal Leadership is based on the results of a twelve-year research study, along with interviews, conducted by the authors, who are partners in the consulting firm, CultureSync. Some of what they discovered during their research was anticipated, though other valuable concepts that emerged from the research and interviews were unexpected, and revolutionary.
One of these unexpected concepts is the power of triads. Triads are relationships involving more than two people. The authors recognized that some of the most successful Tribal Leaders built their success by cultivating relationships and connecting others together, rather than having many one-to-one relationships.
One of the reasons I love the book so much is that it builds on the importance of values and purpose in business– ideas that are critical to my life, and paramount in my coaching work with individuals and groups. I believe that as individuals we can’t achieve authentic happiness and success without being very clear about our highest values and having a sense of purpose to our lives.
Tribal Leadership applies these same principles to teams. When a team (tribe) can identify the shared values among all members and work toward a common purpose—a “noble cause”–this team will function at a much higher level (a stage 4 or 5 culture.)
A tribal leader is a leader who will help their team understand and adopt these principles. Tribal leaders recognize that while their role is important, they are still only a part of the tribe. The tribe needs a tribal leader, but just as importantly, a tribal leader needs a tribe. This concept is so powerful for me, especially as it relates (or should relate) to doctors and health care teams.
I’m currently in the early stages of development for two businesses that require teams. I don’t think it was mere chance that placed a copy of Tribal Leadership in my hands a few months ago, as the framework for these businesses was being created (thank you, Andrea J. Lee!) Now, before I get too far along in my discussions with potential partners or team members, I encourage them to read Tribal Leadership. This way I’m able to find out if they’re interested in creating the same kind of magic in their professional life as I am.
So far, everyone I’ve made the recommendation to has had their thinking transformed by the book.
Please connect with me after you read or listen to Tribal Leadership and let me know how you liked it. If you’ve already read it, I’d love to hear how it affected you and your approach to your career and/or life.