In Aotearoa, Māori business leadership has been deeply rooted in mana—a concept far richer than authority or status. Mana represents respect, responsibility, integrity, and the ability to lead with heart and purpose. As organisations increasingly look towards Indigenous frameworks for guidance, understanding mana becomes essential for fostering sustainable, values-driven leadership. This blog post explores the significance of mana in Māori business leadership, its relevance today, and how The Massive Collective can empower you to embed these principles within your organisation.

Defining Mana: A Foundation of Trust and Respect  

Mana is often described as power or authority, but within Te Ao Māori, it goes far beyond a simplistic notion of influence. Mana is earned through actions that align with integrity, fairness, and responsibility. It reflects how a person is perceived by their community and how they honour their commitments to others. A leader with mana upholds these values consistently, earning the respect of their peers, team members, and stakeholders. Trust is not demanded but cultivated over time by aligning words and actions.

In a business setting, a leader’s ability to inspire trust relies heavily on how they engage with internal and external stakeholders. For example, a leader with mana is transparent in communication and follows through on promises, fostering an environment where employees feel confident that their contributions are valued. Customers and partners are likelier to trust an organisation whose leadership is committed to these principles.

Trust and respect are the bedrock of sustainable relationships in business. In the Māori worldview, leadership with mana is not about individual gain but about strengthening the collective. Business leaders can use this principle to build resilient organisations where employees, clients, and communities feel their needs are being met and their voices are heard. Such leadership fosters long-term loyalty, even through challenging periods, because people know they are working with leaders of integrity.

Mana Beyond Authority: Leadership Through Service  

In many conventional business models, leadership focuses on positional power—titles, hierarchy, and the ability to command authority. However, mana-based leadership is grounded in servant leadership, where the leader prioritises the needs of others above personal or organisational gain. The Māori principle of mana encourages leaders to lead through service to their team and community, knowing that their ability to empower others is the true source of influence.

Service-oriented leadership means actively supporting team members to grow and excel, removing obstacles that may prevent them from reaching their potential. A leader with mana delegates tasks and takes on responsibility for the well-being and development of those under their guidance. Practically, this could mean mentoring team members, advocating for equitable opportunities, or ensuring that individuals' voices are valued during strategic discussions.

By placing service at the centre of leadership, mana-inspired leaders build more inclusive organisations that thrive on collaboration. This approach contrasts with traditional power structures, which can foster competition and disengagement. Instead, leaders with mana know that success is a shared journey where every individual’s contribution is vital to the collective outcome.

Embodying Manaakitanga: The Practice of Care  

Manaakitanga—the practice of care, hospitality, and generosity—is a core aspect of Māori leadership. It reflects a leader’s responsibility to foster a nurturing environment where relationships can flourish. In a business context, manaakitanga involves intentionally creating a positive workplace culture where employees feel respected and valued. This care extends to customers, clients, and the wider community.

A leader with manaakitanga ensures that team members are not treated as mere resources but as people with individual strengths and needs. This could involve adopting policies that promote work-life balance, providing mental health support, or fostering an inclusive space where diversity is embraced. Such practices increase employee well-being and improve productivity, as staff are more engaged and committed when they feel genuinely cared for.

Externally, manaakitanga enhances stakeholder relationships. Businesses that act with generosity and fairness develop a reputation for trustworthiness, which can translate into stronger partnerships and customer loyalty. Leaders with mana understand that how they treat others—whether employees or clients—will reflect on the organisation's brand and reputation in the short and long term.

Collective Decision-Making: Whanaungatanga at Work  

In Māori leadership, decision-making is rarely an individual effort. The principle of whanaungatanga—fostering relationships and kinship—emphasises the importance of collective wisdom. A leader with mana knows that the best outcomes arise from inclusive decision-making processes where diverse perspectives are considered and valued.

This means creating opportunities for all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to discussions. Rather than top-down directives, leaders invite input from employees at all levels, ensuring that decisions reflect the interests of the entire organisation. This collaborative approach builds trust, as people feel their voices matter, leading to more informed and sustainable outcomes.

Collective decision-making also helps mitigate risks. By bringing multiple viewpoints to the table, organisations are better equipped to identify potential challenges and develop more innovative and resilient solutions. Leaders who embrace whanaungatanga create cultures of shared ownership, where success is celebrated collectively, and challenges are faced together.

Kaitiakitanga: Sustainability as a Leadership Imperative  

Kaitiakitanga refers to guardianship and caring for people, resources, and the environment. In Māori leadership, a leader with mana assumes the role of a kaitiaki (guardian), ensuring that their business decisions contribute to the well-being of current and future generations. This principle is especially relevant in today’s business environment, where sustainability is a growing concern.

A mana-inspired leader does not view sustainability as a compliance requirement but as a core value guiding decision-making. This involves adopting practices that minimise environmental impact, such as reducing waste, sourcing ethically, or investing in renewable energy. However, kaitiakitanga extends beyond environmental responsibility; it also means fostering economic and social sustainability by investing in employees' development and supporting local communities.

The value of kaitiakitanga lies in its long-term perspective. Businesses that adopt this principle position themselves as forward-thinking and socially responsible, which can enhance their reputation and build stronger relationships with stakeholders. A leader with mana ensures that the organisation meets today’s needs and safeguards the future for generations to come.

Humility as Strength: Mana and Rangatiratanga  

Humility is a defining characteristic of leaders with mana. Rangatiratanga refers to self-determination and exercising authority in ways that uplift others, not oneself. Leaders with mana understand that true strength lies in humility—acknowledging the contributions of others, sharing successes, and being willing to learn from mistakes.

In business, humility fosters stronger teams and promotes a culture of continuous learning. A humble leader listens to feedback and adapts, creating an environment where innovation can thrive. This openness encourages collaboration, as team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and taking initiative without fear of judgment.

Humility also plays a critical role in conflict resolution. Leaders with mana approach challenges with empathy and fairness, seeking solutions that benefit all parties involved. By valuing relationships over ego, they build resilient organisations better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change.

The Value of Māori Leadership in Today’s Business Environment  

As businesses worldwide grapple with complex challenges—such as sustainability, diversity, and employee wellbeing—Māori leadership principles offer valuable insights. The emphasis on service, care, sustainability, and humility aligns with modern leadership trends, prioritising purpose over profit. Organisations that integrate these principles can create cultures that are inclusive, resilient, and capable of achieving long-term success.

The value of Māori leadership extends beyond organisational boundaries. It fosters stronger connections, promoting trust and collaboration. Adopting these values can also enhance cultural competency for organisations operating in Aotearoa, creating deeper relationships with Māori partners and stakeholders.

Māori leadership is not just a business model—it’s a way of being. By adopting these principles, organisations can lead with integrity, inspire loyalty, and contribute positively to society. At The Massive Collective, we believe that every organisation can benefit from this approach, and we are here to support you on this journey.

Start Your Journey with Us  

At The Massive Collective, we understand the importance of mana in leadership and are here to help your organisation align with these principles. Whether you're looking to develop cultural competency, implement leadership strategies rooted in manaakitanga, or embed sustainable practices through kaitiakitanga, our advisory services are tailored to guide you through every step of your journey.

Creating a leadership framework built on mana requires more than just knowledge—it calls for intentional action and commitment. The Massive Collective offers the support, resources, and expertise to help you integrate Māori leadership principles into your business practices. With our guidance, you can transform your organisation, ensuring that your leadership aligns with values that uplift and empower.

Ready to explore how mana can enhance your leadership and organisational practices? Contact us to begin the kōrero about how we can support your journey. Whether you're at the start of your cultural competency efforts or looking to deepen existing practices, we’re here to help you every step of the way.