The Amazing Motivational Value of The Haka Dance
The haka is traditionally a war dance performed by Maori ancestors before going into battle to show their fearless commitment to win. They performed knowing they were facing death and had no choice but to fully commit. We certainly hope that guests at our corporate events do not face such dire possibilities. However, the haka is a great tool to motivate and unite as we learned from New Zealand's rugby team. Recently a client energized the opening of a General Session with our custom haka.
The Event: an annual sales meeting of a large, nationwide American company.
Our Tasks: we produced several events, ranging from Opening Session to General Sessions to finally the Awards Night.
Guest Count: 700
The Theme: ONE.
The Purpose: this meeting had to motivate, encourage, energize and - most of all - UNITE!
James Kerr discusses his own insights into the All Black culture:
"I discovered that being the best in the world is about more than just technique. That rugby like business and like life is a game played primarily in the mind."
What makes the All Blacks such a successful team, and what is their competitive advantage? What could this team teach us about leadership?
"A values-based, purpose driven culture is a foundation of the All Blacks' approach and sustained success… In fact, in answer to the question, 'What is the All Blacks' competitive advantage?' key is the ability to manage their culture and central narrative by attaching the players' personal meanings to a higher purpose. It is the identity of the team that matters – not so much what the All Blacks do, but who they are, what they stand for, and why they exist."
Thinking as ONE has turned the All Blacks into rugby World Champions and the most winning team of all times, with an unbelievable 86% winning record.
Let's use this technique in business!
We demonstrated ONE by inviting volunteer employees to join the traditional All Black haka ritual, Ka Mata.
The All Black perform this haka before every international rugby encounter. It is said to strengthen their resolve while it intimates the opponent. Watch them in action last October at the beginning of their match against France! Yes, they won!
You wonder how they did? The score: 62-13 for All Blacks!
Our version of the Ka Mate Haka. The interactive sequence ended the Opening Session on the highest note!
EW Haka Dance from EventWorks on Vimeo.
The Preparation: two weeks before the event we sent an instructional video and the Ka Mate text to our fearless dancers for private practice.
We only had a one-hour group rehearsal with the proferssional haka leader and our group on the afternoon before the opening session.
The Reaction: the audience was completely surprised as this part of the program had been kept completely secret. They loved their colleagues' courage to perform on stage and their commitment to become warriors on behalf of the whole team.
It opened guests' minds to the possibility of "ONE".
We are happy to say that we always feel as ONE:
Ian Seeberg – Content Producer & Writer
Kristen Rensch – Associate/Line Producer
Ted Bowers – Executive Producer
Greg Holford – Creative Director
We are grateful for the opportunity to work on such uplifting, positive and encouraging events! Thank you to our client!
Happy to note that today is the first day of Spring!
Wishing you a positive week!
Janet
Comments
Post a Comment