In regards to my currently being in Germany, I have decided to share some of what I have noticed since I have been here.
First, I think that it is important to note that I am in Stuttgart, Germany this week as part of a seminar where I am learning about the education system of Baden-Wurttemburg, Germany (all states in Germany have a different education system - a whole other topic for another day!) There are a total of 18 people that I am learning and traveling with and we are from across the US. There is a great diversity in the age, job responsibilities, interest, and leadership role when assessing this group.
1) The fossils. OK don't take offense, but these are the older people in our group. They have the mentality that they have been around for longer, and therefore they have all of the answers. Even if they are not the right answers. There are 3 women that make up the group of fossils. 2 have traveled to Germany previously. I am a polite southern belle, therefore I indulge them.
2) German speakers/wannabes. These are the people in our group that have some knowledge of the German language and try to make sure that everyone knows it. They tend to be at the front of the line to order dinner or sit and talk to German education leaders in their native tongue.
3) The young ones. I am one of these. We tend to sit back during the day and do as we are told, but yet we are the ones organizing adventures; excursions; or the next beer.
4) The Germans. As I have worked with Germans in the past, it was no surprise to me how wonderful German people are. They are extremely proud of their country and want to share this with everyone. They are also very modest and humble leaders. They love everyone (or pretend to!) and know how to be a great host!
I think that this class has given me a great perspective when interacting with others and has caused me to pay more attention to the situations that I am in. I am more aware now of the role that others and I play in situations.
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As a fossil, I would caution the yough ones from being to hard on the relics. Their experience is often valuable and might prevent the repeating of past mistakes.
ReplyDeleteoops, young went out wrong...sorry
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are having an experience very similar to the experience I had this past March in Spain. I know you're loving it!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Catherine though...sometimes the folks that have been in the business for a while do actually know what they're talking about. Not to say that they always have the most up-to-date, innovative ideas :) Kidding...
Speaking of diversity, age could be part of that. It takes a balance of differences to strengthen an organization. Wisdom from "fossils" is important, just as innovation from the "young ones" and vice versa in some cases.
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