Maanaki — Kupu o te Rā | Word of the week

The skillpod whānau are lovers of learning. As part of our own learning journey we are developing our knowledge and skills of te ao Māori and reo Māori. Each day we learn a new kupu and consider what it might mean for us in our context, the context of learning!

Today’s word from https://kupu.maori.nz/ was:

Maanaki

To support, take care of, give hospitality to, to protest, look out for - show respect, generosity and care for other.

So what might this mean for us in the context of learning? 

When we talk about manaaki in relation to employee development, we're talking about creating an environment that's not just about hitting targets or ticking boxes, but one that's focused on the growth and well-being of every single team member.

Gone are the days when employee development was just about training programs and acquiring new skills. Don't get me wrong, those things are important, but manaaki takes it a step further. It's about fostering a workplace culture that acknowledges and celebrates the unique strengths and needs of each individual.

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Picture this:

You walk into an office where you're not just another cog in the machine, but a valued member of a supportive community. Your managers and colleagues genuinely care about your growth, and they provide the guidance and resources you need to thrive in your role. That's the power of manaaki.

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So, how do we bring manaaki to life in our organizations? Let's break it down:

• Personal and Professional Development: Manaaki embraces the idea of continuous learning. It's about offering opportunities for growth, whether through workshops, conferences, or mentorship programs. It's recognizing that every employee has untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.
• Constructive Feedback: Manaaki encourages open and honest communication. It's about providing feedback that's not just focused on pointing out flaws, but also on recognizing achievements and offering guidance for improvement. It's about building a culture where feedback is seen as a tool for growth, not a weapon for criticism.
• Work-Life Balance: Manaaki understands the importance of a healthy work-life balance. It's about acknowledging that employees have lives beyond their desks and encouraging them to take time for themselves and their loved ones. It's recognizing that happy, well-rested individuals are more productive and engaged in their work.
• Positive and Inclusive Culture: Manaaki thrives in an environment where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is the norm. It's about creating a safe space where everyone feels respected and valued. It's acknowledging that different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our teams and ultimately lead to better outcomes.
• Genuine Care and Appreciation: Manaaki is all about showing authentic care and appreciation for your team members. It's the small gestures of kindness, the words of encouragement, and the recognition of their hard work. It's creating an atmosphere where everyone feels supported and motivated to give their best.

By embracing manaaki, organizations can unlock the true potential of their employees. It's not just about skills and productivity; it's about fostering an environment where people thrive, where they feel empowered to take risks, and where they genuinely enjoy coming to work every day.

 The Skillpod library is a tool you can add to your kete to support the holistic growth and development of your organsation whānau.  Our library contains over 50  micro-learning modules which range from communication, resilience, and leadership to organsation culture, compliance and unconscious bias.  We aim to support the wellbeing and performance of your team.  We want to manaaki your whānau to reach their potential.