Making Good Things Happen
Holiday Principles for Community and Organizational Success
Habari Gani! What is the news? Happy Kwanzaa!
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as a non-religious holiday to inspire community building and ancestral connection for Black Americans. Observed between December 26- January 1, there are Nguzo Saba, seven principles in Swahili, to celebrate each day. The principles can serve as a source of universal inspiration. Here are some ways the principles can apply to organizations and businesses.
Umoja- Unity
Recognizing how we are joined as one unit—one team, one company, one effort—is a way to harness collective power and is foundational to centering people on the organizational mission.
Kujichagulia- Self-Determination
We live in an uncertain and ambiguous world including unpredictable pandemic implications. Kujichagulia reminds us that we can still speak up and assert the vision we have. We can work within our spheres of influence and control to pursue opportunity among the challenges.
Ujima- Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujima promotes collective work and responsibility. It affirms that we are each other’s keepers. Community and corporate social responsibility reflect Ujima where we provide our time, talent, and treasure for the greater good.
Ujamaa- Cooperative Economics
Our bottom lines are interconnected with other companies, with community, and with families. We must work together for economic equity and empowerment for all. As organizations, we must think about our role as buyers and suppliers in supporting local businesses, small businesses, women-owned businesses, Black-owned businesses, and businesses owned by indigenous people and people of color. Fair pay and compensation to our staff are also key to cooperative economics.
Nia- Purpose
Nia is “to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness,” according to Karenga. Not only is this a powerful statement to encourage pride in cultural heritage, but it can also serve as a call to action for greatness within our organizations. Focusing on purpose, despite 2021’s disruption in our work, industries, and supply chains, is energizing to take us into 2022.
Kuumba-Creativity
Creativity is the source of problem-solving and innovation. If our staff, vendors, and collaborators tap into creativity, our organizations will soar.
Imani- Faith
We must believe in what we can do as individual contributors and as an organization to achieve our goals. Despite struggles and setbacks, faith inspires us to keep going with the lessons we have learned.
Scale Strategic Solutions wishes you a wonderful holiday season including a Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!
