Americans believe we can learn from the world

One stereotype of Americans is that we believe we are better than everyone else, that we are exceptional, and that normal rules don’t apply to us. However, a new report from Pew Research (Americans say U.S. can learn a lot from other countries on handling the coronavirus outbreak, other issues, by Jacob Poushter and Moira Fagan, January 14, 2021), suggests that this mindset is shifting. Remarkably, “When asked whether the U.S. government can learn from other countries on dealing with five major issues, a majority of Americans say the U.S. can learn a great deal or fair amount on each.”

From our perspective at Hahn Cultural Consulting, this is a long overdue development. Our interactions with people in different countries, and our observations of those countries first-hand, have shown us that nobody has cornered the market on ideas, innovations, or solutions. We find it exciting and illuminating to learn about programs and efforts around the world, not because other countries necessarily have all the answers but because their act of asking different questions and experimenting with different strategies expands our own creativity about what is possible.

Yet even if we are willing to learn from our fellow human beings around the world, the question is whether we have the capacity to actually do it. And this is where global readiness comes in. We can help you, your organization, and your community develop the global skills that you need in order to effectively engage and collaborate with people who come from different countries and cultures. Let’s connect!

Photo Note: The image features lanterns along the Chungyecheon stream in Seoul, one of our favorite examples of urban revitalization, copyright Hahn Cultural Consulting 2021.