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The Wonder of Differences

14 February

One of the reasons traveling is so beneficial is that most people tend to be more open-minded when surrounded by a culture different from their own. Now being somewhat of a chicken this time around, I chose a culture that is not terribly different, but that at least uses different phrases for familiar words. Calling the trunk of the car, the boot and using the word torch for flashlight are familiar differences.  I’ve been getting excited about the opportunity to stretch my language skills slightly.

Last night, the first Wisdom After Work gathered to talk about judgement. I believe that everyone had at least a little ah-ha moment by the time we parted.  For me, it was hearing a friend’s version of what judgement meant to him.  And it was very different than my definition. 
I realized that even though we all speak the same language, we don’t often mean the same thing. Here was a group of people who have all been to many of the same personal growth workshops, read the same self-help or leadership books and and attended the same Wisdom at Work luncheons for years, yet have fundamentally different ways of processing the word judgement. What else are we interpreting askew?
In this case, it was a wonderful discovery to see there are many ways to look at a thought.  In the workplace or in personal relationships, I can see how the surprise could be problematic.
I’m grateful that this ah-ha came for me just before I leave, because what a great opportunity to practice the wonder of differences.

One Response to “The Wonder of Differences”

  1. Steve Harper February 15, 2008 at 6:44 pm #

    Great observations Nogie. I can already tell your BLOG is going to be amongst my favorite to read!

    Ripple On My Friend!

    Steve

    P.S. Rippling on the 21st if you can make it!