Holding a world view at our local work place, questioning our assumptions can inspire.

The locals are right, right? who is local these days? corporate culture is local. locals are foreign to company culture and culture is found in museums.

International relations are easy, there different. Expectations, misunderstandings and communication are not taken for granted. There are some hard feelings sometimes, there is a tension that can build, and there are ideas that challenge, coming from a different perspective. These strengthen, grow, and create resilience, as well as a much more interesting work place.

How do we develop a work place culture among locals were the same rules apply as they do for the international relations?

I believe it comes back to character, personal dignity, and personal strength. Knowing ones self and trusting ones colleagues to recognize the foreigner in all of us, this allows us to express ourselves authentically.

No two people are the same even raised in exactly the same place, with the same parents, in the same way. Yes, we might have learnt the same metal models but our interpretation of them will be different. Sometimes subtly other times blatantly.

Instead of fitting in, try being yourself. The work place could become much more fun.

In my experience, I have met like minded people from all parts of the world, sometimes we had no idea what the other was saying but we understood. Other times with simple instructions and everyone on the same page and we still came out with completely different ideas as to what we are seeing.

It does not matter, what matters is the bigger picture and the element of surprise.

Life keeps us on our toes, why can't our workplace bring us pleasant surprises every day?

Treating our colleagues without assumptions and questioning our own assumptions can be quite a cleanser.

Cleansing our assumptions at the work place can rekindle inspiration and the desire to innovate.