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The purpose of education can be lost in bureaucracy. Educators become so busy with administration and issues about themselves, their focus moves too easily away from the students. A truly student-centred approach to education requires a heartfelt motivation to nurture – and a steely resistance to overcoming issues that stand it its way.
The missing ‘sauce’ in many service processes is the free value that can be delivered through the expression of kindness. If given from the heart, in a way that is valued by the receiver, it builds relationships and goodwill.
Whether it be Donald Trump, a bet on a ‘sure thing’ or the tail of the peacock, it is tempting to be attracted to outrageous displays on the premise that they might deliver something that gives us an advantage. But invariably they are a façade, a false promise or a pretense. Like the slot machine, they are programmed to make us lose and the ‘displayer’ win. Advertising and flashy people know how to manipulate us – and to fool enough people to make the show suck us in and our money, time and heart out. The track record is that most of these ‘shows’ fail and are hated in the process of failing.
Yes, I am cynical about much of what is pushed towards us. The solution is to seek evidence of the offer – and if it seems too good to be true, it most probably is.
Futurist David Houle has come up with another provocative book – http://thisspaceshipearth.org – and it sets up action we can take as individuals. And this must be the key for many of the issues confronting us. Whether it be financial, political, environmental, health, bushfire, etc, the more we can do as individuals the better WE will feel about a situation.
The social life of African wild dogs is like a masterclass
in organisation, where cooperation is the name of the game, and survival is the
ultimate prize. These packs aren’t just wandering the savanna by chance—they’re
operating with military precision, making them some of the most successful
predators in the wild. You’ve got a tight-knit team here, with a clear
hierarchy, coordinated hunting tactics, and a level of group cohesion that
could put most human teams to shame.
Pack Composition:
An African wild dog pack typically numbers between 6 to 20
members, though you might find smaller squads of 2 or larger coalitions of up
to 40. The core of the group is a dominant breeding pair—the alpha male and
alpha female—backed by their offspring and other adults, who might be relatives
or just good allies.
The Alpha Pair:
The alpha pair runs the show. They lead, they breed, and
they make the big calls—like when it’s time to hunt or move to greener
pastures. The alpha female is usually the only one having pups, and the whole
pack chips in to raise them. It’s a well-oiled machine where everyone knows
their role.
Subordinate Adults:
The rest of the pack isn’t just lounging around—they’re the
support crew. These adults, often the alpha pair’s older offspring, help with
hunting, defending the territory, and taking care of the young ones. While they
might fancy starting their own families, the alpha pair usually has other
ideas, keeping things in check through social cues or, let’s face it, more
direct methods.
Cooperative Hunting:
When it comes to hunting, these dogs could teach us a thing
or two about teamwork. They’re all about strategy, with each member playing a
specific role, whether it’s leading the chase or flanking the prey.
Communication is key here, with vocal signals and body language keeping
everyone on the same page.
Pup Rearing and Care:
Raising pups is a collective effort. The pack practices
alloparenting, meaning everyone pitches in to feed, guard, and teach the young.
The pups are the VIPs at feeding time, with the adults regurgitating their
hard-earned meal to ensure the little ones get the nutrition they need to
thrive.
Pack Hierarchy:
There’s a clear pecking order in the pack, with the alpha
pair at the top. The other members respect this hierarchy, which helps maintain
order and stability. Conflicts are rare, and when they do pop up, they’re
quickly resolved with a bit of submissive behaviour to keep the peace.
Communication:
Communication among African wild dogs is sophisticated. They
use a mix of vocalizations—including a distinctive “hoo” call—and
body language to express intentions and keep the group united, even over long
distances.
Dispersal and New Beginnings:
When the pack gets too big or when younger dogs are ready to
start their own packs, they disperse, usually in same-sex groups. These
adventurers will eventually meet up with others, form a new alpha pair, and
kickstart a new pack.
Territoriality:
African wild dogs are territorial creatures, fiercely
defending their large home ranges. They mark their turf with urine and faeces,
sending a clear message to rivals and predators: “This land is ours.”
Now, what does all this mean for us humans? Well, the social
structure of African wild dogs holds a treasure trove of lessons for modern
organizations. If we pay attention, we can learn how to build teams that are
just as cohesive, effective, and adaptable.
Learnings for Human Teams:
By embracing these lessons from the social structure of
African wild dogs, we can create human teams that are not only effective and
cohesive but also well-equipped to thrive in an ever-changing environment.