WHY NOMADS?
Nomadic cultures, often associated with migration and constant movement, have a lot to teach us about resilience, adaptability, sustainability, and community building. One of the key lessons we can learn is the importance of flexibility. Nomads practice a lifestyle that is constantly changing, and they need to be able to pivot and adjust to new environments, weather patterns, and available resources. They also value minimalism and sustainability, carrying only what is necessary and leaving no trace behind. Additionally, their sense of community and collective responsibility for one another teaches us about the importance of social bonds and support networks. Overall, nomadic cultures provide us with valuable insights into how we can live in harmony even amidst change and uncertainty.
What’s a Nomad?
Nomadic Communities are groups of people who move from place to place in pursuit of opportunity. They may move across rainforests, deserts, oceans and rivers, ice, wide and open grasslands and sometimes in cities.
There are 3 categories of Nomadic People:
Hunter-Gatherer
Pastoral: with herds of livestock
Peripatetic: who move for craft or trade opportunities
There are hundreds of Nomadic cultures still thriving in some of the world’s harshest environments, although today’s challenges including climate change, land ownership right and deforestation are placing unprecedented pressure on communities.
To live as Nomad requires a completely different outlook on change and movement compared to settled communities. Instead of building walls, hierarchies and avoiding risks, Nomads approach challenges with a Nomadic Mindset.
What’s a Nomadic Mindset?
One
Recognise and accept that your environment is changing.
Two
Identify as an agile group that moves towards opportunity.
Three
Harness the wisdom of your community to make decisions.
The nomadic mindset is one that values flexibility, adaptability, and resourcefulness. It encompasses the willingness to move beyond one's comfort zone, to embrace new environments and cultures, and to challenge oneself to continuously learn and grow. Those with a nomadic mindset prioritize experience over possessions, recognizing the richness that comes from experiencing and learning from the world around them. They approach obstacles as opportunities, knowing that every challenge presents a chance to develop new skills and expand their comfort zone. Ultimately, the nomadic mindset represents a way of life that emphasizes exploration, self-discovery, and a deep appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the world we live in.
How’s it relevant to Leadership today?
Do you and your team understand and embrace change and disruption?
Are you able to create a culture that welcomes change?
Can you engage, unite and empower a diverse collection of individuals?
In today’s world. 63% of people do not trust their leaders at work (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2017).
7/10 change management initiatives fail to reach their goal (McKinsey, 2017) and the cost of disengagement is estimated at $550 billion to the US economy alone (Gallup, 2016)…..
We believe Leaders are well overdue a fresh perspective!
