The past few months have seen the world in events that involved many countries. The Olympics in these tumultuous times brought athletes around the world together. This time there were the lurking evils of Covid, suspected doping, and the situation with Russia and Ukraine.
“A lot of athletes fall into a deep depression after the Olympics,” says Brooks. “Athletes post-Olympics or post-retirement need a lot of support, a lot of people reminding them of their worth beyond just their athletic achievements and results.” https://knpr.org/npr/2022-02/deep-depression-after-olympics-challenges-facing-athletes-home
The triumphs of the Special Olympics remind us all about the wonders of true passion and will to overcome obstacles of every sort. It brings us all the triumph of the human spirit. Having friends with disabilities or those who work in that field, brought home to me how special it really is to compete there. I heard about this and thought it was something people should know about! Wednesday is “Day of Giving”, and Jersey Mike’s will be donating every dollar in sales to Team New Jersey. Nearly 140 athletes are preparing for the games. They will compete in 19 sports including athletics, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, basketball, flag football, and more. https://patch.com/new-jersey/edison-metuchen/help-njs-special-olympics-team-buying-jersey-mikes-sub
When at work folks are often surprised by how easily I communicate with people around the world. My family must be thanked as they encouraged cultural educational experiences as well. My home was bilingual Polish. I studied Latin and French. We traveled to Brazil. Engineering school was a global community. I owned and worked in Businesses in Europe. After 12 years I came to San Diego and worked in the arts and design and restaurant industries. All of these were part of the Greek, Chinese, Persian communities. I am tribal in my soul. I feel best when part of a bigger community.
The current situations in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Somalia, and the like made me take a closer look. Many if not all disagreements arise from conflicts of different cultures and ethnic groups living together. I asked the question of how can this best be addressed? Global awareness. Technology has brought us all together. What is necessary is for us all to be aware of and accept other cultures. This begins with our education. Here are some thoughts on Global Awareness.
What is the importance of it?? By teaching our kids to be globally aware, we can help them better understand the differences among us. Building a more peaceful and civil society can be made easier by being able to work collaboratively with others who are different from you.
https://npin.org/why-is-it-important-to-teach-kids-about-global-awareness/#:~:text=How%20Can%20We%20Increase%20Global%20Awareness%3F%20Take%20up,equity%2C%20hunger%2C%20or%20affordable%20energy.%20Establish%20global%20connections.
Global awareness in the classroom involves teaching students about different nations and cultures, as well as their civic duties and rights both locally and globally. An ability to understand, respect, and work well with people from diverse cultures is increasingly important for social and academic success in an interconnected world. When speaking to someone oversea, communication is one way to gain global awareness. Taking classes in a new language and learning a new culture. Integrate other language users into your work. Having worked on an overseas project.
Global awareness is a broad concept but, in sum, being globally aware means building a value system that is flexible and open to other people’s cultures. It recognizes and respects that there can be more than one way to do something, and actively supports and promotes diversity.
Being globally aware is more than simply being able to see the whole picture, it also involves being able to implement a flexible and open global value system. Diversity can be an asset, it is aware that it may not be the only solution, and it actively works to promote it.
https://www.breakoutofthebox.com/what-is-global-awareness-definition/
As always there are things one can do to improve your skills. Here are classes for professionals I found. https://professional.mit.edu/course-catalog/cultural-awareness-global-business
Our Cultural Awareness for Global Business program is designed to help professionals thrive and operate effectively in culturally diverse teams. During the five-week program, you’ll learn to solve problems and avoid needless, counterproductive misunderstandings when working with people from different cultural backgrounds. You’ll also improve your intercultural and global leadership skills—and enhance your ability to succeed in today’s multicultural business world.
Personally, I work in an online software business where both our team and our clients are from around the world. I ask you all to do your best to understand those who come from a different background than yours. The world is a small place indeed.
