A tribe is a group of people that share a history and culture while operating in an enclosed environment. The modern society tribe is structurally different than many years ago. Tribes tend to be small. They may have resources that are vital to existence and must be protected. Modern tribes place a priority on culture. The working culture can jeopardize existence or allow the tribe to flourish. Tools are resources that enable tribes to exist and continue to grow. Today’s tools are electronic technologies, transportation, physical structures, athletic fields, etc. Without these various components, the tribe will falter. The people are the most valuable component of a tribe. To attract the right people in your tribe, you must protect the culture, tools, and people that allow it to operate.
As a modern tribe leader, how do we protect our culture, tools, and people?
We Must Carry the Banner!
To carry the banner high, we must set high standards for the “tribe.” Everyone must know how to operate and maintain their load. When the bar is not met, the leader must reinforce the standard and communicate the shortcomings of those involved. After sharing this, the leader teaches and provides resources, allowing members to renavigate their path.
The culture of your organization will be defined by the worst behavior you are willing to tolerate.
Todd Whitaker, Steve Gruenert, School Culture Rewired
Leaders must be conscious of their tone and delivery when reinforcing the standard. They must be effective communicators and understand how to influence behavior. An aggressive and demeaning tone erodes confidence and perceptions of others. This negative outcome will potentially infect the tribe with negative dialogue and activity.
I challenge you to infuse a sense of pride into every conversation and every action and to be intentional about inspiring others to want to do the same.
Jimmy Casas, Culturize
When leaders carry the banner, they do it with enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and body language. They do not fall victim to tempting gossip or undermining behavior. They relentlessly retract from this and steer with vibrance and compelling narratives that talk life into the tribe. “Banner Carriers” are proud of their tribe and speak with great admiration for its achievements and pursuits. They are eager to celebrate the accomplishments of others and are constantly seeking betterment for the entire tribe. Leaders know when the tribe wins, their existence will remain intact and will flourish. Author and Educational Leadership Consultant Jimmy Casas writes in his book Culturize, “I challenge you to infuse a sense of pride into every conversation and every action and to be intentional about inspiring others to want to do the same.” Intentionality with pride is an infectious approach that builds belief in the tribe.
Moments of Crisis
In moments of crisis, people resort to tribal habits and seek out community to survive. This innate act has kept humans safe for millennia. Author and war reporter Sebastian Junger has an interesting take on people in moments of crisis through his book “Tribe.” He speaks about how difficulties can be a blessing and draw out the best in us. When times are tough, we naturally gravitate to those we trust for survival. When leaders create a community and a tribal environment, people feel safe, lean into trust, and act to preserve the existing culture and environment. When trust is not established, and there is no sense of community and positive culture, the people will retract and seek another tribe to self-preserve.
Raise the Banner High
“Banner Carriers” are inviting and civil. They do a fantastic job of accepting others for who they are and the unique gifts they bring. The banner remains high when the leader deters negative attitudes and intrusions that erode the culture and climate. They do it with compassion and grace while giving everyone their signature moment. “Banner Carriers” model desired behavior through their lives, ultimately inspiring others to do the same.
Work on strengthening your tribe with each interaction with your people. Take pride in these encounters and carry your banner high. If you’ve found this helpful, please share it on social media. Shoot it in an email to a friend or colleague who will benefit. You can find additional leadership content to maximize your banner-carrying ability at youniversalife.com
