We see things not as they are but as we are

drawing by Wawa

At the Leadership Insight Forum held for approx 300 MBA students in Shanghai, we explored the unfamiliar but ever so popular realm of a global mindset. Professor Fred Dubee sums up a closed mindset as "We see things not as they are but as we are".


To break out of the closet and build a global mindset, try some or all of these:


1. Stay (very) curious, ask questions
2. Be brave, take a different view of things
3. Build your network locally and internationally, say, get a penpal
4. Actively ask for feedback
5. Get out of your comfort zone, say, use another way to go home
6. When on a business trip, stay behind to look around
7. Read widely and regularly
8. Travel not just for sight seeing but for people interaction

And as the Chinese saying goes "Come to the table with an empty cup" so that the world can fill you in.