03-13-2026THE NEW WAY WE WORK

What does ‘sawabona’ mean? And why does it matter to your team?

The radical power of being seen

Being seen is a fundamental human need. We all can recall a moment when we truly felt “seen” by someone for who we are, and how good and empowering it made us feel. When this happens, it deepens our sense of belonging and makes us more connected to our work, and to others. And today, with so much of our attention being scattered and superficial, being truly seen is as surprising as it is refreshing.

Research supports this: a sense of social belonging is one of the strongest predictors of engagement and performance at work. According to Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends report, 79% of organizations say that creating a sense of belonging is important or very important for their success. However, only a small percentage feel equipped to make it happen. This needs to change, now. Because when people feel seen, they feel validated, appreciated, and engaged. And that’s where leadership truly begins.

According to Nina Bressler, Global Head of Service Academy at Hitachi Energy, “Every time we see someone fully, not just their role but in their humanity, we have the experience of learning and growing together. People lean in, share what they know, and risk showing what they don’t. In that mutual recognition, performance becomes a natural outcome of belonging.”

A Personal Story: The Power of Sawabona

In the Zulu language, there’s a greeting I love that captures this sense of belonging. It’s “Sawabona.” It means “I see you,” but it’s much deeper than that. It’s not just an acknowledgment or a greeting; it’s an affirmation of someone’s existence and humanity. The response to “Sawabona” is just as powerful: “Ngikhona,” which means “I am here.” This exchange conveys mutual respect, and sets the tone for meaningful connection and authentic interaction.

For years, I sat on a leadership advisory board within the intelligence community, made up of accomplished experts across a variety of fields. We always sat at the boardroom table, putting our heads together to urgently tackle the high-stakes issues that needed our input. The pressure to perform was always stressful, and the environment felt as intimidating as it was inspiring.

But one day, the mood changed.

The chairwoman of our board, Renee, began our meeting with “Sawabona,” she said. This was definitely different from the typical call to order and reading of the agenda, and people were seemingly caught off guard. We all then said the response: “Ngikhona,” I am here. And immediately, people smiled. Not just because it was a little awkward, but because it was so … human. 

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