Ubuntu
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of Ubuntu, thanks to my marketing guy in South Africa, George, who reminded me of this beautiful philosophy as we discussed some themes in my work and business. Ubuntu is an African philosophy that Archbishop Desmond Tutu described as “the essence of being human.” It’s often translated as “I am because we are” or “humanity towards others.” Ubuntu means recognizing that our lives are intricately connected, that we don’t exist in isolation but as part of a greater whole. It’s about community, compassion, and understanding that, on this journey of life, we truly need one another.
In American culture, independence is often prized above all else. Needing others can feel like a weakness, something we’re almost ashamed of. But Ubuntu challenges this idea by suggesting that needing others is not a flaw but a fundamental part of being human. Ubuntu shows us that strength lies in our connections, not in standing apart. We’re not meant to do this thing called life alone — we thrive when we support each other and embrace our shared humanity.
This interconnectedness is more than just a nice idea. When we practice Ubuntu, we start to feel more grounded and less lonely. We recognize that our lives gain deeper meaning when shared with others. From a business perspective, Ubuntu is also a powerful guiding principle. It reminds us to treat colleagues, clients, and everyone we encounter with respect and care because our successes are interconnected.
In my personal life, I’ve experienced Ubuntu when reaching out for support during tough times. At first, I felt incredibly uncomfortable asking for help; there was a part of me that wanted to be "strong" and self-sufficient. I am allergic to neediness! But each time I allowed myself to lean on friends and family, I found something unexpected: people felt valued and even honored to be asked. They didn’t see my need as a burden but as a way to show love and support. This shift helped me understand that accepting help isn’t about being lesser; it’s about giving others the opportunity to be there for you and letting relationships deepen.
In my professional life, Ubuntu has influenced the way I approach collaborations. Rather than seeing other professionals as competition, I’ve learned to see them as potential partners. By sharing resources, supporting each other, and celebrating each other’s successes, we build a stronger community. Each connection we make creates ripples, helping all of us thrive. Ubuntu reminds me that my success isn’t diminished by someone else’s; rather, it’s enhanced.
If you’re wondering how to bring Ubuntu into your own life, here are three tips to help you start recognizing and celebrating our shared humanity:
Practice Deep Listening
Instead of thinking about what you’ll say next in a conversation, practice listening without judgment. Give the other person your full attention. Deep listening is a way of acknowledging that their experiences, emotions, and ideas are valid and worthy of respect.Celebrate Others' Successes
We’re often taught to compare ourselves to others, but what if we saw each other’s achievements as a shared victory? When someone around you accomplishes something, celebrate them genuinely. Recognize that their success adds to the overall richness of the community you’re part of.Ask for Help and Offer Help Freely
This is where Ubuntu really shines. The next time you need help, don’t let pride or fear hold you back from asking. And when others reach out to you, offer your assistance openly, without expecting anything in return. This creates a cycle of giving and receiving, reinforcing our mutual need for connection.
Ubuntu teaches us that being “needy” isn’t about lacking something; it’s about recognizing that we’re all connected. We are stronger, happier, and more resilient when we come together. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open, to ask for help and to give it freely, we embrace the essence of being human.
“I am because we are.”
