Leading on the Frontline

18Through the eyes of another

How seeking and valuing another’s perspective saved the day in the Maasai Mara, Kenya

It was another glorious African day. The business leaders who had signed up for my ‘Be the Change’ program had converged from the four corners of the globe to see how they might make a difference and empower the community. Excited that they would be visiting a village and get to talk to the local Maasai today, they were eager to get started.

The scenery was breathtaking, all around us an endless horizon with the occasional single flat-topped acacia tree seemingly frozen in motion.

Led by Nelson, a local Maasai warrior, we left the jeeps behind and walked towards the village in the distance marked by a semicircle of low, thatch-roofed dwellings.

‘Our homes are built by the women,’ he said pointing at the small village. ‘Simple, traditional design. Made of mud and dung pasted over a timber frame.’

‘In my country,’ commented Charles, from Texas, ‘that would be men’s work.’

‘Here women build the houses, carry the water, collect firewood and cook for their family,’ Nelson explained. ‘That’s how it is.’

We entered the compound through a tall fence of thin saplings — designed to keep children, goats and cattle in and lions and other predators out, Nelson informed us.

Tall, lean men wrapped in bright red checked blankets started to appear from the loaf-shaped houses.

‘Stunning colour,’ said Emily, obviously dazzled by these impressive- looking warriors.

‘Practical,’ replied ...