Ngahi Bidois: We're too humble by half

At a veterinarians' conference at which I was keynote speaker, another speaker made quite an outstanding point. They had discovered their vet practice earned at least 75 per cent of their annual income through across-the-counter sales. Less than 25 per cent of their income came from the actual treating of animals.

The presenter later confirmed they had the appropriate vet qualifications regarding animal science and all the appropriate professional accreditation and vet clinic business practice requirements but when I asked how much training they did in selling product across the counter their reply was - none. In other words, more than 75 per cent of their business was based on an activity for which they had done no training or qualifications.

The figures might even out more if a survey of other vets was carried out as everyone has their individual business model but it started me thinking.

If people choose their hairdresser based on how well they cut hair but more so on how well they communicate or "get on" with them, how much training do hairdressers receive in what I will term "communication methodology"? If people choose their car salesperson, lawyer, counsellor or school based more on integrity, how much staff training or branding focuses on integrity?

Herein lies a dilemma for Maori. We are taught the kumara does not speak about how sweet it is. We are told it's not right to be proud of our accomplishments, to stay below the radar and make sure we do not become a tall poppy. We are told to avoid the media so we're not seen as show-offs. In other words, the media does not get to hear about 75 per cent of the successes achieved by Maori. Our biggest strength - being humble and unseen - can also be our biggest weakness.

In the meantime, media are quick to pick up on the negative aspects of Maori and, unfortunately, more than 75 per cent of the Maori stories in major media tend to be negative. What do Maori present to the media to balance those negative stories?

When did you last tell the media about one of your good news stories? Or a good news story on someone else's behalf?

One of the things I enjoy about The Daily Post Te Maori page is we get to talk about positive aspects of being Maori, which isn't just good for Maori but good for Aotearoa.

It is good to be humble and not talk about your own accomplishments; however we need to balance the negative perceptions of Maori which people have because Maori choose to not share the good news in a proud, yet humble, way.

We may not have had training or have qualifications in it and, to be honest, it will go against every cultural fibre of our Maori ideologies, but I would rather hear 75 per cent positive news - the success of positive Maori perception in the media depends on your positive story.

Kia kaha kia maia, korero mai.

Ngahihi o te ra (Te Arawa) is an international speaker, author and consultant. His website can be viewed at www.ngahibidois.com