Yesterday, I shared how Ubuntu—”I am because we are”—could transform our approach to teams. Today, I want to show you what this looks like in practice.
The Birth of Obuntuo
After years of watching talented people struggle in misaligned roles, we asked: How do we translate Ubuntu’s wisdom into something practical for today’s workplace?
The answer became Obuntuo: Ubuntu reimagined for the modern world of work.
At its heart is a simple but powerful tool: the Human Potential Meter. Think of it as your compass for navigating both individual and collective potential.
Beyond Measurement to Navigation
Most assessment tools measure and categorize. The Human Potential Meter reveals natural contribution and guides direction.
It maps three distinct zones:
🔴 The Friction Zone (Levels 1-4): Where work becomes harder than it should be. These aren’t bad people; they’re often good people in the wrong flow, creating unintentional energy drains.
🟡 The Drift Zone (Levels 5-7): Good people who aren’t quite enough. They follow directions but don’t drive improvement. The hidden danger? Teams heavy with Drift Zone people feel comfortable but struggle to grow.
🟢 The Contribution Zone (Levels 8-10): People who make everything better. They think and act like owners, caring about outcomes and making things better simply by being involved.
The Ubuntu Connection
Here’s what makes this different: we see each level not as a judgment, but as a compass reading. Someone in the Friction Zone isn’t a “problem employee.” They’re someone whose Ubuntu connection is disrupted, who needs realignment to find their natural contribution.
Uncover. Align. Thrive.
The Human Potential Meter helps teams answer Ubuntu’s core question: “How can each person contribute in a way that elevates both themselves and the organization?”
Because when people are seen for who they are and placed where they thrive, extraordinary things happen.
Want to explore where you and your team members naturally contribute?
Comment COMPASS below and I’ll send you the Human Potential Meter poster.
Question for reflection: When have you experienced being in perfect flow at work, where your contribution felt natural and energizing?
