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Ubuntu!
A powerful story about the African philosophy of teamwork and collaboration that has the power to reshape our workplaces, our relationships with our coworkers, and our personal lives, written by the bestselling coauthor of Fish! and the bestselling author of 1001 Ways to Reward Employees.
John Peterson, a new manager in the credit department at a major big-box retailer, 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. 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.
John Peterson, a new manager in the credit department at a major big-box retailer, 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. 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.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2010
34 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Stephen C. Lundin
43Ìýbooks60ÌýfollowersStephen Lundin is a writer, entrepreneur and filmmaker with a rich history as a graduate level business school professor and dean. Steve has written a number of books including the multimillion copy best selling FISH! and the simply bestselling FISH! Tales, FISH! Sticks and FISH! for Life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 23, 2015
I could not believe the low ratings and criticism of this book. Since it is such a short read, I found it well worth the investment of my time. Much of Ubuntu relates strongly to the culture shift my organization is undertaking and I connected as a manager to several of the concepts brought forth in this story. I think cultures outside of the US have a lot to teach us about 1) how blessed we are here in the U.S. and 2) how we can evolve our style toward driving outcomes for the greater good and not just our own personal benefit.
April 7, 2010
I would give this book 4 stars for its content but only 3 for the way in which it was written.
I found the concept of Ubuntu very interesting and the idea that it could be used to transform the workplace is very refreshing and hope filled. I wish every boss in America would read this book. If the loan officers, wall street investors and bank CEOs had read and believed in this book 10 years ago, we would not be facing the economic woes we are struggling through today. I am going to try to apply these principles in my homelife and in my classroom.
I also liked the characters in this book. Especially John and Simon. My problem with the book comes in the way that some of it was written in such a trite, cliche ridden way. I realize that in such a short book, vast drama and character depth can not be developed, but change came just a little too easily to be quite believable. Also, much of the dialogue between the characters sounded more like a training film than actuall conversations people would have.
All in all, however, it was a worthwile read about a concept I hope catches fire worldwide. As Simon would say "Perhaps Africa's gift to the world, is the gift of human contact".
I found the concept of Ubuntu very interesting and the idea that it could be used to transform the workplace is very refreshing and hope filled. I wish every boss in America would read this book. If the loan officers, wall street investors and bank CEOs had read and believed in this book 10 years ago, we would not be facing the economic woes we are struggling through today. I am going to try to apply these principles in my homelife and in my classroom.
I also liked the characters in this book. Especially John and Simon. My problem with the book comes in the way that some of it was written in such a trite, cliche ridden way. I realize that in such a short book, vast drama and character depth can not be developed, but change came just a little too easily to be quite believable. Also, much of the dialogue between the characters sounded more like a training film than actuall conversations people would have.
All in all, however, it was a worthwile read about a concept I hope catches fire worldwide. As Simon would say "Perhaps Africa's gift to the world, is the gift of human contact".
August 5, 2019
Quick read. Wish this philosophy permeated our society. Such value in seeing the connectedness in humanity. Would serve to curb the selfish nature that plagues every fiber of our individualism.
December 8, 2017
Interesting! this book share the philosophy from Africa --> We are one human family
Ubuntu = means we're all in this together!
Several important principles on Ubuntu philosophy (love them all):
1. philosophy that considers the success of the group above that of the individual
2. ubuntu does not mean respecting bad work; it does mean respecting who does the work
3. the spirit of ubuntu is captured by the word 'community'
4. you can't just do ubuntu, you have to BE ubuntu
Inspiring note for me: Ubuntu is about the connectedness of people about UNITY of purpose. But it also about human equality. In ubuntu, managers put ego and self aside! The success of the company isn't about one person/one leader, it's about everyone who works there!
2 level of recognition:
1st level - value others simply for WHO they are. this is the heart of ubuntu & it must always come first
2nd level - value others for what they achieve - is usual what drives most performance
Love this part a lot!!! "we all know that being 'rewarded', 'motivated' or 'managed' by someone who has not connected with us at a human level often feels like MANIPULATION. Ubuntu is about finding the common ground that connects one human to another. It is about accepting each human being as UNIQUE and respecting the humanity of each &every person we encounter"
Ubuntu = means we're all in this together!
Several important principles on Ubuntu philosophy (love them all):
1. philosophy that considers the success of the group above that of the individual
2. ubuntu does not mean respecting bad work; it does mean respecting who does the work
3. the spirit of ubuntu is captured by the word 'community'
4. you can't just do ubuntu, you have to BE ubuntu
Inspiring note for me: Ubuntu is about the connectedness of people about UNITY of purpose. But it also about human equality. In ubuntu, managers put ego and self aside! The success of the company isn't about one person/one leader, it's about everyone who works there!
2 level of recognition:
1st level - value others simply for WHO they are. this is the heart of ubuntu & it must always come first
2nd level - value others for what they achieve - is usual what drives most performance
Love this part a lot!!! "we all know that being 'rewarded', 'motivated' or 'managed' by someone who has not connected with us at a human level often feels like MANIPULATION. Ubuntu is about finding the common ground that connects one human to another. It is about accepting each human being as UNIQUE and respecting the humanity of each &every person we encounter"
December 7, 2015
Lundin and Nelson apply the African moral philosophy and worldview used by South African President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu for larger concerns to the workplace. They stretch this out through a fictional story set in the corporate headquarters of a retail chain that sends a team to South Africa. Their method is not my favorite mode of presentation. Their proposal to get over yourself and start working with your fellow employees as human beings worthy of respect and attention, because we’re all in this together is solid. But, for me, the story—a not very interesting piece of fiction—unnecessarily dilutes the idea. Dale Carnegie put it a little more succinctly: “Become genuinely interested in other people� in How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936).
History is more inspiring than the story in this book. Ubuntu incorporates a larger world view and a view of humanity that emphasizes interconnections, a markedly different view than that of competitive self-interest. It is unimpeachably solid, and all the more so, considering its application during the peaceful transition to an elected majority government in South Africa in 1994 and the subsequent work of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
History is more inspiring than the story in this book. Ubuntu incorporates a larger world view and a view of humanity that emphasizes interconnections, a markedly different view than that of competitive self-interest. It is unimpeachably solid, and all the more so, considering its application during the peaceful transition to an elected majority government in South Africa in 1994 and the subsequent work of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
May 17, 2010
I saw this little book on a library table and thought, "How funny! A book titled 'Ubuntu' that has nothing to do with the operating system." How could I resist? I read it in about 90 minutes. For 89 of those minutes, I kept waiting for the book to get to its good part. Really, the best part of the book is a quote from Nelson Mandela on the back jacket (he's not talking about this book, though).
The book itself is pretentious and dumbed-down. The dialogue is written at a second-grade level. The authors are directing this wibbley bowl of porridge at people who are looking to trade money for formulaed words in the hopes of being a better manager. The better manager would spend their time doing anything BUT reading this book.
The book itself is pretentious and dumbed-down. The dialogue is written at a second-grade level. The authors are directing this wibbley bowl of porridge at people who are looking to trade money for formulaed words in the hopes of being a better manager. The better manager would spend their time doing anything BUT reading this book.
July 24, 2010
Quick read--motivational book describing the merits of the African concept of Ubuntu for American corporations. Found myself thinking some of the ideas would be workable in my classes as well, especially the idea of 1) appreciating individuals for who they are and 2) recognizing their achievements. Bjshop Desmond Tutu described it: “I am a human because I belong. I participate. I share." We are all human because of each other. No man is an island!
April 27, 2013
Hard to argue with the concepts, but probably could have been explained concisely in about 10 pages.
May 14, 2020
"To engage another person in an authentic way releases the most powerful energy on the planet."
May 31, 2019
The concept was admirable and important, but could have been summed up in a few pages. The way in which it was written was TERRIBLE; I felt like I was being looked down on because of the parable format / fictional story of John and Simon and Steve, etc. I don't know if it's just a problem of audience - I suppose this book might be okay for a busy person who needs a quick read for a flight, or for someone new to emotional intelligence - but I couldn't stand reading this book.
February 18, 2023
This one left me feeling a little empty. The book was filled with workplace examples of the concept of Ubuntu. I was hoping to gain more insight into the origins and history of the African tradition and I really didn't feel like I got that. There are plenty of self-help books that serve as aids for facilitating teamwork and collaboration. I was looking to see how this particular cultural tradition is significant and I don't that was well addressed in this book.
January 31, 2018
This is an easy reading book that is helpful for readers who are in the transition of becoming a manager. It gives a very good head start on how to become a good leader in a team. I highly recommend this simple book for those who has been working as an individual and wants to move on to be a good team leader.
November 1, 2018
Being in Management I am always looking to improve either my style or how I interact with my associates. The Ubuntu method is so simple that can help anyone can use the method in life or work. I think the story was to simple and implementing the method to a whole company was too easy and I am sure in a real life company the idea would hit some resistance but the ideas are good.
May 17, 2017
A very inspiring story about any African tradition, that encourages Teamwork and collaboration. Its use is not just limited to the work environment but can be followed in the family and other social circles.
August 5, 2021
Everyone should read this book and the Ubuntu philosophy should be instilled from birth and part of the school curriculum. I will read this book from cover to cover again and again to be reminded how precious life is and how humane this approach to life is.
March 1, 2022
I read this book for a class when I was in sonography school, my teacher wanted to relay a way of team work in class. In which I believe has helped after reading this. It’s a very short read, so not to bad.
December 15, 2017
A quick read that applied Ubuntu to the struggles of work life, personal life and the intersection of the two. A good example for team work and team development.
August 9, 2018
Having just returned from South Africa when I found this book I loved the idea and premise. Short read but very powerful and impacting.
February 28, 2019
Too much hyped....
June 7, 2019
An incredible philosophy all can learn from and become
February 17, 2021
A life changing philosophy not only for business but in your personal life as demonstrated in the audiobook.
March 9, 2021
Truly inspiring. How I wish we could do this.
September 6, 2021
I love this little quick read book. I learned about Ubuntu through Doc Rivers and wanted to know more. This is the perfect book to learn about how to embrace Ubuntu in your daily life.
January 2, 2022
Loved this little book� based on a hugely important philosophy. Perfect inspiration for a new year of goal setting!
January 9, 2022
Loved this so much and wish all my colleagues would read it too �
July 4, 2022
In this book the way of team management has been discussed very well by telling stories.
September 26, 2023
An important leadership conversation using the wrong method of conveyance.
April 17, 2024
I just finished this as a book club topic with a group of co workers. I’m not usually into “non fiction� but it reads like a fiction book! Great values and tips for the workplace!
November 23, 2024
Un libro ligero primero poderoso en su mensaje. 14 lecciones que atesoraré siempre. Volveré a el cuantas veces sea necesario.
December 26, 2016
Must Read... I Love this book..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
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