Aloha is the value of unconditional love, of self and of others. Aloha literally translates to “being in the presence of the life’s spirit,” and it is a sharing which is therefore thought of as the outpouring and receiving of a person’s inner spirit. That inner spirit is more than a simple projection of positive character or personality: It is an incredible source of energy for us as human beings.
From Managing with Aloha (Chapter 1 preamble):
Aloha
Aloha is a value, one of unconditional love
It is the outpouring and receiving of the spirit
Aloha is an attitude of the spirit, embracing, positive and healthy, for Aloha is the value of unconditional love and acceptance.
Aloha is a self-love stemming from self-awareness and self-esteem, and it is love of others knowing they possess this goodness of spirit as well.
The arms of Aloha are inclusive, and they seek to serve. To be a great manager is to share the intent of Aloha. You must give your employees an outpouring of your spirit, and you must receive theirs. Aloha is the calling of great managers.
Continue your learning!
For a brief, single-page listing of all 19 Hawaiian Values of ALOHA within the Managing with Aloha philosophy, see The 19 Values of Aloha.
For more about values and why we choose them, see Let’s Define Values.
This is the Site Index of articles which include ALOHA, with comment boxes for questions, stories, and our continued learning from each other: When people speak, they give voice to values, and their personal expression of them. In Hawai‘i, we call this expression their mana‘o.
Buy the book!
Managing with Aloha is a book designed to be written in, and used as both learning resource and personal workbook. Managing with Aloha is our philosophy bible, and this site can be thought of as the sequel to the book, where you are now the featured star.