Over the weekend I attended the Nanticoke Indian Annual Powwow, in Millsboro, Delaware. The noun powwow, from the Narragansett eastern Algonquian language, refers to any gathering of native people. Powwow can also be used as a verb meaning "to confer in council." In Indian country, it means "a secular event featuring group singing and dancing by men, women, and children."
While enjoying the pleasant weather under the shade of the trees, the steady rhythm of the drums, the signing, the colorful costumes, the dancing, and the selling and trading of wonderful native art, I reflected in what Native Americans can teach leaders. I want to share my musings with you.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion. Even though the event I attended was a Nanticoke Indian cultural celebration, other tribes were welcomed, and anybody with some part of Indian blood could participate in the dancing and ceremonies. Of course, anybody from the general population was welcomed to attend the event to watch and buy. It was amazing to see the diversity of skin colors and facial features. The result was a rich tapestry probably more appealing (and profitable) than if it would have been an exclusive event. In today’s world, leaders need to embrace diversity and include diversity of thought if they want to survive and flourish in the present global business culture.
- Embracing change. The Nanticoke Tribe survived in a predominantly European culture by adapting to changes, supporting one another, working hard, saving money, buying land, and befriending non-native people who lived nearby. There are nearly 500 Nanticoke living today in Sussex County, Delaware, and many tribal members who live in other states. Today’s leaders can not close their eyes to change and hope that things will go back to the way things were. That will not happen. It is a time that requires collaboration and finding creative ways to adapt.
- Remembering cultural heritage and values. Even though the Nanticoke adapted to the culture and times around them, they are proud of their ancestors, and appreciate traditions. The Powwow is a time to remember and retell stories; to teach the younger generation about their heritage; a welcome opportunity to visit with friends and relatives, renew acquaintances, and trade or sell. Most importantly, it is a time to preserve traditions, to sing to the Creator, and to dance to the heart beat of the drum. You could see the pride in the faces of the young and children as they danced together with their elders. All were encouraged to participate. Leaders need to remember that in times of change, remembering the values and heritage of organizations helps to ground people. Telling survival stories can instill pride, and promote hope and strength.
- Leading wisely. The tribe has a chief and five other counsel members that guide the modern affairs of the Nanticoke. The powwow had a master of ceremony with the important responsibility of guiding the dancers and spectators, as well as keeping the program moving. Explaining various traditions, he helped spectators understand the program while encouraging the dancers and drummers. He served as the glue that held the powwow together. Yet, it was a gentle leadership role that also gave total freedom of expression to dancers and drummers. There was a constant dialogue between him and the participants that resulted in a well orchestrated, joyful, and harmonious time. Good leaders know how to encourage, listen to others, and give guidance at the appropriate moments. Many times the fate of an organization falls on the leadership that keeps it together. Especially in times of change, a leader needs to know how to balance freedom to innovate with a structure that will prevent chaos.
- Encouraging connection, purpose and respect. In the Native American tradition, all things are connected, all things have purpose, and all things are worthy of respect and reverence. All aspects of life must be in balance and in harmony. In this Native American philosophy, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, and everything in our natural environment coexists harmoniously. Likewise, the inner dimensions of mind, body, and heart are not separate parts, but connected dimensions flowing from one another. The challenge for leaders is to find ways to build confidence, self-esteem, and empathy in individuals at the same time that the organization as a whole is encouraged to find balance and harmony with the environment and with its constituency. There should be no doors closed by language, discrimination, or disability. Leaders can teach that we all are naturally an important part of the interconnection of all beings.
- Modeling mastery without competition. By offering opportunities for developing competence, elders encourage the youth to master skills. Native American children are taught that someone with more competence is not a rival but a resource, and that achievement is sought for personal reasons, not for competition. On the dance floor, you could see the children following the movements of their elders and enjoying the development of their skills. Likewise, teams work better together if leaders can encourage all its members to be a resource for others. Unconditional acceptance can encourage decision making, problem solving, and responsibility while more experienced members of the group model and teach responsible behavior and masterful performance.
- Opening communication. Communication in Native American culture is quite different than the "usual" American competitive-style communication. Their style values cooperation over competition, which reflects not only in many areas of their lifestyles but also in the way they communicate. When many Native Americans engage in conversation, they usually form a talking circle. In a talking circle the group gathers in a circle and uses what is called a "talking feather." or a “talking stick.” People are encouraged to state what has been on their mind but hasn't been said. They listen intently, until the person speaking is completely finished talking. Then the other person talks and fully expects to be able to completely finish their thought without interruption or before the conversation turns to another person. The more a leader encourages both listening intently and speaking what is in people’s mind, the easier it will be to work together in collaboration.
In working with leaders I encourage circle talk. I welcomed the Powwow as an opportunity to find a great talking feather to attach to a talking stick I will use when training leaders in circle talk. It tends to add a calming element and works as a reminder of listening and giving everybody a voice. In looking through the different displays, I could not find any. Seems that the modern world dos not value the talking circle as much as before. Nevertheless, I knew there must be at least one somewhere. In the process, I found many helpful people who handed me over to friends and elders until I was finally successful in my quest. Now when I look at my "talking stick" it is even more precious because of the circle of collaboration and care it took to find it.
As a leader, how do you practice and encourage the above? Take a moment to share your comments below.