Talanoaga

Effective Communication in Leadership

The Samoan translation of Talanoaga is discussion, conversation and my memory flashes back to our aiga (family) gatherings. The good old days where we would gather at my Uncle Iumai and Aunty Tautiaga's home on Mascot Road, Mangere. The fala lili'i would be laid out on the floor in their double garage, the Matai (chiefs) of our family along with our uncles and aunties would sit on the fala, a traditional setting we knew and understood. We would often watch and listen to the lively talanoa (talk). Numerous voices were engaged in robust discussions, lots of laughter, with the volume rising and falling in cycles, eventually giving way to a single voice; a pattern that would persist for hours.

This was my first and real encounter of effective conversation in leadership witnessing my parents and extended family hold these Talanoaga discussing important matters together. There were protocols of who to speak, when to speak, how to speak. The teachings of fa'aloalo (respect), mamalu (honour) and lotomaulalo (humility) were values seen through the actions of our Aiga pōtopoto (family gathering) and has continued through the work I do today.

In the end, many voices would speak, discuss, and negotiate, but ultimately, one voice would conclude and solidify the final decisions.

PAUSE & REFLECT 

What was your first encounter of 'effective conversation in leadership' and how has it supported you in your leadership?

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