‘Ohana as “those who love you”

Came across this quote today, so fitting for our Valentines Day week:

“Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.”

– African saying –

Isn’t that wonderful? It got me to think about the value of ‘OHANA, as we apply it to our workplace form, as an ‘Ohana in Business (Key Concept 6).

In Managing with Aloha, I spoke of the unconditional, and flexible support of ‘Ohana, and how strong a bond is created. I love the addition this African saying points out — that there is constant memory in that bond, where the best of a person is always remembered.

It would be fitting to add it to our 10 Beliefs of Great Managers, I think…

Great Managers are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.

Yet an ‘Ohana in Business is not just the presence of a Great Manager, or viable business model. It is a family of people, working together as a healthy team in pursuit of shared vision. ‘Ohana results, when every single person within that team sees every other person in this way — no matter what happens, they remember their beauty, their wholeness, their innocence, and their purpose: They remember their Aloha Spirit.

Always remember: As an Alaka‘i Manager, you’re the one who can make that happen, leading the way by setting an example in all you say, and all you do. You are the one courageous enough to love others at work, and make your love visible.

Archive Aloha with related reading on setting that example:

• Alaka‘i Managers are the new Energy Bunnies
• Would you write “Walk my talk” on your calendar?
• Accept your Small Wisdoms with Grace
• The Workplace Mixology of ‘Ohana
• On Ho‘ohiki: Keeping your promises

For more reading paths, go to New Here? or click on the tags found in the footer.