This weekly wilderness webinar was for those families and teams looking for understandings that strengthen connecting for productivity, purpose and a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Our inspirational hosts were African Wild Dogs or Painted Hunting Dogs as I prefer to call them.
I am sorry I am not able to share the recording with you as the video footage we watched is certified, but you can watch it here before reading some of the inspirational insights gained below:
There are only 3000 wild dogs left in the world, they are extremely endangered, so let’s take the privileged opportunity to spend time observing them while we can!
The first observation on the video footage we viewed was that the Alpha pair were always together. Their task was to be the main reproductive pair, and to ensure the growth of the pack through giving birth to the new members of an expanding family or team.
The Alpha male was very attentive to the Alpha female, always tailing behind her in a protective way, aware of her needs. He had her back.
My first question was:
What is the value of having a lead pair or couple?
I think single parents, even though they may have removed themselves from an unhappy or even abusive marriage, would still agree having an extra pair of hands to raise their children, another bread winner, and someone who shares the decision making is a huge plus when there are two parents involved in rearing the young.
I wondered whether having a lead team unit in an organization creates greater stability and ensures ongoing mutual support, and diverse creative thinking.
I guess the lead duo in a sports team could be the team captain and the coach.
Regardless of the family or team composition is seems advantageous to have a lead unit who care for each other’s wellbeing.
Many years ago, I had the privilege of seeing the birthing process of an Alpha female supported by the Alpha male, it was in a televised underground burrow. The female was in pain and chewing clods of earth. The male was by her side either licking her face when she was in pain, or helping to get the pups out when she was pushing. What impressed me was that she was much more able to perform her mothering role, because the father was performing his unique role. It stood out for me that each of the pair were physically and emotionally equipped to perform different tasks and in doing so were very supportive and enhancing of their partner’s competence.
It was apparent in the video that the team / family survival was not only dependent on a core leadership that was unified, but in everyone chipping in and performing their specific task when the pups were born. They are the future of the pack, and their survival and correct upbringing is crucial.
In a family it takes the extended family and friends to support the parenting unit especially when the children are very young and dependent, and it takes much energy to meet their needs. It is true, it takes a village to raise a child. In a sports team or organizational clan, the newbies also need a lot of time and attention. I believe in an organizational culture of shared leadership where participation and decision making are inclusive, and leaders are task dependent – the person with the skills for a specific aspect of the project takes the lead, and that role is interchangeable as the project progresses.
Nest week we MEET THE MASAI and look more closely at their tribal wisdom.
Our next Weekly Wilderness Webinar takes place on:
Date & Time: Wednesday, 12th April 2024 at 6pm UK time.
When we go another vicarious, wildlife safari to discover:
How can we Develop an Organizational Culture of Shared Leadership
Our hosts are the Masai from the Inkankare Village adjacent to Amboseli National Park in Kenya
Email me on wildernessencountersafrica@gmail.com if you would like to be included on future Weekly Wilderness Webinars so that you do not lose out.