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Talanoa 1: Introduction to Servantship: Framing a Collective Philosophy for Global Challenges

Updated: Oct 4


By Maria Taufelila, Systems Weaver, FakaFekauaga Catalyst (FFC) and Jerome Makapatama, Systems Weaver, FakaFekauaga Catalyst (FFC).


With support from Falalahemotu F.N. Makapatama and Makapatama.


 

Kamataaga-Introduction


In an era marked by complex global challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality, traditional paradigms of management and leadership are increasingly under scrutiny. At FakaFekauaga Catalyst (FFC), we believe it is essential to examine these paradigms' effectiveness in addressing these issues. This series explores three pivotal paradigms—management, leadership and servantship—analysing their impact on these multifaceted problems.


Maria Taufelila, Systems Weaver at FFC, will lead this exploration, drawing from her Niuean village worldviews, extensive lived experiences and engagement with village-community dynamics.


In Niuean tradition, talanoa—a process of sharing stories, experiences and observations—aligns with the English concept of dialogue, emphasising open and respectful conversations. Supported by FakaFekauaga Catalyst founders Falalahemotu F.N. Makapatama and Makapatama, this talanoa will offer a rich, collective exploration.


Central to this series is the practice of fofola e potu (rolling out the mat), a common Pacific tradition symbolising equality and collective engagement. By laying out our agenda or topic of discussion on the mat, we invite everyone to sit alongside us and contribute to exploring challenges and opportunities together, reinforcing our commitment to the greater good.


The core hypothesis driving this series is that collective philosophies, particularly servantship, offer a more holistic and sustainable approach compared to the individualistic frameworks of management and leadership. Recurring themes throughout the series will highlight the relevance of these core concepts, with each article providing unique insights while contributing to a comprehensive understanding of their intersections and divergences.


While the series is interconnected, each tohi (article) can be read independently, offering valuable insights and perspectives on its topic. This structure allows readers to engage with individual articles on their own terms while appreciating the broader narrative that links them.


At the heart of our exploration lies the belief that collective philosophies, archetypes and models exemplified by servantship, provide a more comprehensive and sustainable solution to the challenges we face today.



Management: Characteristics:

  • Management focuses on efficiency, control and goal achievement through structured processes and hierarchical decision-making.

  • While providing clarity and accountability, its rigid frameworks may hinder adaptability in the face of dynamic global challenges and innovation.

 

Leadership: Characteristics:

  • Leadership emphasises vision, inspiration and navigating uncertainty to mobilise collective action and drive transformative change.

  • Effective in rallying stakeholders and fostering short-term impact, leadership may struggle with sustaining systemic change and inclusivity in decision-making processes.

 

Servantship: Characteristics:

  • Rooted in the ethos of serving others and the planet, servantship prioritises empathy, stewardship and collective well-being.

  • It champions inclusivity, shared responsibility and sustainable solutions by empowering communities and addressing underlying causes of global challenges.

 

Framing the proposition


Our examination probes into these paradigms not merely as theoretical constructs but as practical frameworks shaping our response to global crises. We believe that Servantship, with its emphasis on collective service and stewardship, emerges as a compelling alternative. By nurturing resilience, equity and long-term sustainability, servantship offers a pathway to navigate the interconnected and adaptive nature of today's most pressing global issues.

 

Fakaotiaga-Conclusion


As our series progresses, we will continue our talanoa on the mat, casting our eyes out to our village and beyond, diving deep into our moana (oceans) to explore, share, critique and hopefully collectively understand the strengths and limitations of management, leadership and servantship. We'll explore and hypothesise their real-world applications and transformative potential in addressing global challenges. Our next discussion, Talanoa 2: A Critique of Traditional Paradigms—Are Management and Leadership Still Fit for Purpose?, will focus on critically examining why traditional paradigms fall short and why a shift towards servantship is imperative.


As we wrap up Talanoa 1: Introduction to Servantship: Framing a Collective Philosophy for Global Challenges and rise from the mat, we are reminded that the exploration and knowledge-seeking are but a small part of creating and maintaining the greater good for our families, village, and, in this case, our global community—our families and, importantly, our children and planet. As we dust off the mat, elements of our talanoa that were not helpful will not carry forward to our next discussion. Also, we are mindful that we have started the series and, from here on, as we will return to the potu, the talanoa process becomes fono fakafetui—a deepening of talanoa and our search for collective wisdom and actions.


Please join us on the mat next time.

Date: 1 October 2024


About the Authors, Weavers and Facilitators

 

Maria Taufelila, a matriarch, wife, mother, sister, and elder, was raised in Fakafekauaga by her grandparents, Vailima and Makapa Ikipe. As a devoted servant in her village of Vaiea and within her family, Maria has long facilitated and woven together village responsibilities, providing steadfast support to village elders. Her professional journey has included management roles and business development, culminating in her graduation from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Social Science.


Jerome Makapatama brings a unique learner's perspective to the talanoa on servantship and collective philosophies. As a Systems Weaver at FakaFekauaga Catalyst (FFC), Jerome's insights are grounded in his upbringing and extensive lived experience as a son, grandson and father, as well as his engagement with community dynamics. His reflections are drawn from firsthand observations and a commitment to understanding the evolving challenges faced by individuals and communities alike.


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