Thousands of years ago mankind lived as nomads. Then came civilisation, agriculture, settlements and life changed forever. The same thing is happening to the Bushmen of the Kalahari as they give up their nomadic lifestyle for one of permanent settlements. Life has changed radically for them too; and not necessarily for the best.
For nomads, the emphasis is on social groups and relationships, sharing knowledge, moving with the seasons in search of food and shared with everyone. In settled communities, social groups become leadership structures, knowledge and wealth are acquired and accumulated individually, food is stored for personal rather than for group use. I won’t go into sanitation, but have you see the size of our sewers? Spencer Wells, a geneticist and anthropologist documented all of this in his book Pandora’s Seed: The Unforeseen Consequences of Civilisation.
So what has that go to do with organisational life? Well, networking is a highly valued activity – look at the rise of Facebook and LinkedIn as business tools.
The most effective people in organisations are those that develop and work through others – they coach and mentor as a way of getting things done. They share their thoughts, ideas, knowledge and expertise. Their networks extend far beyond the walls of their organisation and its clients.
So, get out of your office, department, division, business. Meet new colleagues and old customers. Share your experience, your ideas and search out new pastures, there are plenty to be found even with people and places you thought you knew.
