![]() ![]() ![]() The key to real progress is to avoid something researchers call “projected cognitive similarity,” or the notion that others think in the same way as you. In my professional facilitation work in Duluth, I find it sometimes just as challenging to create agreement among people with diverse personalities. Luckily, this wasn’t my first cultural rodeo. I trusted they would find their own common ground if I remained silent for a time. They were both seasoned professionals who cared enough about the outcome to continue the work, even though it brought discomfort. The German leaned back and listened carefully. Somewhat apologetic after his initial outburst, the Canadian leaned forward to explain further. The Canadian couldn’t hold himself back any longer and bluntly burst out, “Well, the rules don’t work. All of the Chinese were now extremely fascinated by their noodles, studying them as if they expected to find gold. I looked around the table, hoping others might join in and help persuade him about this. I put on my best “Chinese” persona and gently suggested that doing things strictly by the rules would likely be very difficult. The rest of the group, including me, had more experience and knew the rules weren’t going to work in reality. Canadians and Americans value individualism, are less patient and tend to want to go right to a solution.Īs we continued, the German pressed his point about following the rules we had been given. Conflicts are not addressed openly because that could damage personal relationships. Chinese protect their “face” and communication is often indirect. It is what makes them excel in fields like engineering and sticklers for following rules. Germans tend toward structure and are risk-averse. It was a study in international relations. We were all acting in ways that were consistent with research-based profiles of our native cultures. The Chinese-American kept listening intently, silently eating his chicken and rice, avoiding eye contact with anyone. Although we had just started, one of the Chinese nationals commented that surely a second meeting would be required. The time-pressed Canadian ever-so-slightly rolled his eyes. I will need time to explain my procedures,” stated the German, cheerfully passing out a series of detailed charts to each person around the table. “But I have done pre-work and calculated how each of these factors could be adjusted. As the appointed facilitator for this diverse group, I was responsible for a good outcome. “If we work ‘smart,’ we can get our tasks done during this lunch meeting,” offered the Duluthian to the miniature United Nations gathering. Maybe that sounds like the beginning of a good joke, but this is a true story. Solve a number of challenging quests and adventures and meet old friends and enemies.A Duluthian, a Canadian, a German, a Chinese-American and three Chinese nationals sat down at a table to make important decisions.Watch as your inexperienced fighters grow into fearless heroes of great renown.Explore unknown territories and establish trade routes with other tribes.Three difficulty levels that make the game fun for anyone from strategy novices to battle hardened veterans.You must solve the mystery surrounding the 8th Wonder of the World with your heroes and banish evil from the Earth! The destiny of Bjarni’s people, and with them the destiny of all humanity, now lies in your hands. The people cried out to our friend Bjarni, who immediately set out to save mankind from the clutches of doom and misfortune once again. The greatest heroes of the past were summoned. This peace was not meant to last as one day the powers of darkness and evil slowly began spreading all over the world. The renowned hero Bjarni and his friends, retired after their last adventure and enjoyed their day-to-day lives. Cultures - 8th Wonder of the World takes place some years after the end of Cultures - Northland.
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