Aspects of Strategising Leveraging the Power of Tribal Leadership

Posted by Jo Murphy Jan 22, 2009

In the book Tribal Leadership, [Collins Business 2008] researchers Dave Logan, John King, and Halee Fischer-Wright found that tribes are not only powerful, but that tribal dynamics can be mapped. One of the aspects that these authors map is the common laguage that develops when a team or workplace moves from team to tribe.

What Would Be the Characteristics of This Common Language?

Leaders (classroom teachers) can improve understanding and motivation of their classes by using team language to develop a "we" culture instead of an "I" culture. The result is called "stage 4."

A culture that embraces synergy above individual success, develops an ability to accomplish more within a streamlined harmonious environment. Happiness and a sense of well being is predicted.

How Could Teachers Develop Class Aptitude for Harmonious Synergy?

One way is to literally model valuing peace, harmony and serenity. Running a simple class activity showing students a way to destress and stay calm and focused might just be the key to achieving a class sense of well being.

An activity such as How to Make a Finger Labyrinth in Clay, would be one of the many ways of modeling to a class that the teacher values every member of the classes emotional wellbeing. Providing students with strategies that show them there are choices they can make about the levels of stress they are willing to accept in their own emotional landscape, could precipitate the development of harmonious group language.