Power and Influence: Self-Development Lessons from African Proverbs and Folktales

by Chiku Malunga

Overview

Power and Influence demonstrates how the indigenous wisdom contained in African proverbs and folktales can be used to enhance modern life. The timeless wisdom contained in African proverbs and folktales enriches self-development and positive influence. The inspiring results provide deeper understanding of self-development and self-leadership, forming a solid foundation for leadership effectiveness at all levels.

This book is among the first to consciously acknowledge and demonstrate the rationale of applying indigenous wisdom to enhance the understanding of disciplines, theories, and practice. African proverbs and folktales express an accumulated wisdom of human relations; add dimensions to practice in ways that are soulful, respectful, practical, and socially embedded. By using African indigenous wisdom, the book contributes towards the much-needed, cross-cultural dialogue among individuals, organizations and societies in this increasingly diversified world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761858737
Publisher:	UPA
Publication date:	06/16/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	182
File size:	756 KB

About the Author

Chiku Malunga is the first and leading indigenous wisdom-based organization development writer. He holds a doctorate degree in development studies from the University of South Africa. He is currently the director of CADECO (Capacity Development Consultants), an organization that promotes African-centered organizational improvement models.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface

Chapter 1: The Emerging Age of Wisdom
Chapter 2: Purpose
Chapter 3: Concentration
Chapter 4: Turning Vision to Work
Chapter 5: Building Mental Power
Chapter 6: Growing One’s Money Tree
Chapter 7: Time Management
Chapter 8: ‘Self’ in Self-development
Chapter 9: Influence
Chapter 10: Self-Development and Leadership
Chapter 11: Conclusion

Appendix 1: Power and Influence Proverbs
Appendix 2: Personal Development Self Assessment Tool
Appendix 3: Self-development Interventions

Bibliography
Index
About the Author

What People are Saying About This

Alan Fowler

If development and democracy in Africa are to be ‘home grown,’ the deep insights about endogenous human relations contained in the continent's proverbs and folklore will be a critical measure of this achievement.

Rick James

If you value wisdom, read this book—it shows how to rely on the wisdom of the centuries, not on the whims of the moment.

Rob Watson

This tome of African wisdom provides insight into a long hidden world which will be valuable for those seeking to understand and learn from an authentic source of African oral history….Sometimes amusing, often inspiring—this book is a great read…

Herman Brouwer

Malunga makes his case for self-development with great honesty and wisdom, drawing upon a mixture of African indigenous proverbs, self-development literature, and—most importantly—his own life experience…Malunga has done a marvelous job in combining these strands, whilst maintaining his own unique voice.

Charles Banda

Malunga…pioneer[s] and demonstrate[s] how the indigenous wisdom in African proverbs and folktales can be used to enhance modern life. In this book, he brilliantly and convincingly demonstrates how.

Cornelius Murombedzi

…A must-read for all who are interested in their own and others development.

Editorial Reviews

Malunga…pioneer[s] and demonstrate[s] how the indigenous wisdom in African proverbs and folktales can be used to enhance modern life. In this book, he brilliantly and convincingly demonstrates how.

Charles Banda

If you value wisdom, read this book—it shows how to rely on the wisdom of the centuries, not on the whims of the moment.

Rick James

If development and democracy in Africa are to be ‘home grown,’ the deep insights about endogenous human relations contained in the continent's proverbs and folklore will be a critical measure of this achievement.

Alan Fowler

This tome of African wisdom provides insight into a long hidden world which will be valuable for those seeking to understand and learn from an authentic source of African oral history….Sometimes amusing, often inspiring—this book is a great read.

Rob Watson

…A must-read for all who are interested in their own and others development.

Cornelius Murombedzi

Malunga makes his case for self-development with great honesty and wisdom, drawing upon a mixture of African indigenous proverbs, self-development literature, and—most importantly—his own life experience…Malunga has done a marvelous job in combining these strands, whilst maintaining his own unique voice.

Herman Brouwer

[T]his book vividly highlights the cognitive relevance of African cultural heritages, of which proverbs and folktales are important segments. This well-researched, cogently argued, timely, and intelligently organized book provides important insights into African cultural heritages that are very riveting and prescient and logically and seamlessly flows from one theme to the next, making this a pleasurable reading experience. Hence, the author has made the sometimes complex cultural and sociopolitical entanglement of African folktales accessible to both scholars and lay readers. . . .Malunga’s text would be an excellent resource for anyone concerned with or currently engaged in multicultural self-development. The tone of the message is challenging, engaging, and uplifting, as it provides tips and hope for multiculturalists who may be weary of the continual struggle over the cognitive value of African oral literature.

Research in African Literatures