Magic of Self-understanding
When we look back in history, we will easily understand that different countries went through different historical events contributing to our self-understanding. In some countries, people understand themselves being part of something bigger, a population, a nation, something that is more relevant than the individual. In other countries and societies, people understand themselves as individuals and the individual being the dominating fact in a society. Some nations are mainly driven by religion, and the authorities have a religious background. The individual is less relevant than the religion, and the interpretation of a religion dominates society. Other nations are more driven by worldviews, and the worldview including its interpretation makes a difference.
“What am I allowed to think?” This question seems to be simple, but it is not. In a cultural context the question describes limits of a society. We all may have witnessed examples when someone crossed a border from the common way of thinking and acting to a new area: The introduction of borders, growing empires, empires falling apart, the concept of kingdoms, the concept of democracy, the concept of sin and what is a sin. The concept of absolution and the concept of keeping all sins of a life for later judgment.
We live on a planet that is highly fragmented in the way people act and think. In an organization working cross borders it can be a challenge – what is offending the one may be more than normal for the other. What is tolerated in one society may be a no-go in a different culture. However, there some habits we have in common: We are curious and want to learn and hear from people having travelled to seeing us. We are hosts and will treat our guests well. We may be surprised by some behavior, but we may try to hide our first and instant reaction. We may have different sense of tolerance, but we will all be tolerant with others – to a certain degree.
If we are working in an intercultural business environment, it will be relevant to understand who we are and what our values are. It will be relevant to understand what is negotiable and what will be unchangeable. Before starting a war on business or inside your organization, try to look for alternatives. To destroy is easy, to rebuild may take much longer. If this is relevant to you or your organization, feel invited to talk.
