Ubuntu!

An Inspiring Story About an African Tradition of Teamwork and Collaboration

By: Bob Nelson, Stephen Lundin

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

A powerful story about the African philosophy of teamwork and collaboration that has the power to reshape our workplaces, our relationships with our coworkers, and our personal lives, written by the bestselling coauthor of Fish! and the bestselling author of 1001 Ways to Reward Employees.

John Peterson, a new manager in the credit department at a major big-box retailer, is struggling in his job. The people under him are not working as well or effectively as they need to, and his department is falling behind in meeting its goals. His only solution is to take on more work himself, burning the midnight oil and coming in most weekends to pick up the slack and keep his department above water.

When one of the employees stays behind to help him—a young man who came to America from a small village in Africa—he learns of the ancient wisdom and hidden power of the African philosophy of Ubuntu. Before long, it begins to change the way he thinks about the people he works with, about himself, and about how he runs his department and his life.

In an engaging and completely fresh narrative that holds a unique message for today’s business world, Ubuntu! shows us a way to overcome our fears, insecurities, and the “me-ism” that so often permeates our workplaces, and replace it with a culture of genuine respect and collaboration. It promises to take its place alongside Fish! and other business parables as the next bestselling classic in the business category.

©2010 Bob Nelson and Stephen Lundin (P)2010 Random House

Critic reviews

“The teachings in Ubuntu! can not only help us improve our relationships with others. These teachings can help us make peace with ourselves and be proud of the way we are living our lives.”—from the foreword by Marshall Goldsmith, author of the New York Times bestsellers MOJO and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

Story

I really enjoyed listening to this book- it's more of a story which is how I learn.

Fantastic Book about a Fantastic Concept!

This book teaches the concept of Ubuntu by telling a story of a man/company that were struggling. It follows the story of them discovering Ubuntu, defining it, implementing it, and then the positive evidence that resulted from their implementation. As a Christian, this concept is very similar to the second commandment for Christians to "love your neighbor as yourself." This book was very easy to listen to and the whole world would be a much more pleasant place if everyone implemented this concept in their lives!

Great Book

What made the experience of listening to Ubuntu! the most enjoyable?

While this was a fictional story, it teaches you about a real philosophy , Ubuntu will help you move forward in life, whether in business or personal, I highly recommend this book

The rest of our days, are the best of our days!☆

It is time for humanity to understand the mightiness of their being. We are each a representation of our species, and what our species is capable of. This book is going to help change humanity for the better.☆

Excellent Body of Work!

Loved it! I'm looking forward to incorporating this philosophy I to my businesses and life.

Leadership wake up

Imagine my surprise fining a book named for my last two soccer team. Ubuntu-I am because we are. Ok, so the grammar isn’t great, but the message for 12 year olds was powerful. We didn’t have stars, we didn’t have tall big and fast, but they embodied Ubuntu. We played as a selfless team for the goal of the team winning. It was awesome! We beat bigger faster stronger teams because we were a better TEAM. This philosophy is powerful and unstoppable when everyone buys in!!

Ubuntu

Life changing book that causes you to look within and learning how to bring others through collective work and responsibility.

Inspiring

If you want to hear the word Ubuntu listen to any speech from Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. If you want to get an insight into how to live with the philosophy then read this book.

This wonderful, easy to listen to story takes the African philosophy/concept of Ubuntu and translates it into real life experiences that everyone can appreciate. While it is mostly centred around a business environment the lessons are appropriate to every sphere of life.

I seriously encourage everyone to read it. Only a short book - a lazy morning - but the message is profound. I took notes.

Interesting Book on a New Management Style

Even though I'm retired, I really enjoyed listening to this book on this management style.
The author made the story personable and engaging.
It was fun to hear the African leadership style, using a story of "real" people.

work philosophy

Loved It and great voiceover. Great Information and overview of work setting and environment.