Listening 'round the world

On the morning of Friday, Sept. 18, people from 50 different countries virtually gathered to learn four perennial strategies that can be applied to overcoming our world’s current challenges. Some of the countries represented included Pakistan, Iraq, Morocco, Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh and Vietnam, among many others. The interactive workshop, titled “Lasting Cross-cultural Strategies for Dealing with Today’s Problems,” ran from 9-10:15 a.m. MST. Although that may have been a convenient time for participants living in Montana, attendees from the rest of the world were not so lucky. Jónias Mendonça Exposto, a man from East Timor, stayed up until 1 a.m. to take part in the virtual event.

The workshop was the product of a partnership between the MSU Leadership Institute and the Honors Presents Lecture Series. The workshop was led by Deidre Combs, Ph.D. Combs has over 25 years of experience as a highly-skilled executive coach, leadership development consultant, instructor and principal of Combs and Company, Inc. She also served as a teaching professor for Columbia University’s Teachers College and MSU’s Leadership Fellows Program and Honors College.

As soon as the event started, it was obvious that the participants were excited to take part in such a global event. Friends of Combs’ from all over the world quickly joined the Zoom call and expressed their joy upon seeing the face of a friend halfway around the world.

During the workshop, Combs taught attendees about four cross-cultural strategies to help them cope with current challenges. These strategies included the power of gratitude, flexibility, adaptive leadership and generosity. Combs reminded everyone that “there is no controlling life,” and that “it’s important for you to know ways that you can rest in uncertainty.” She also encouraged participants to do something kind for someone daily. Considering all that is going on in the world right now, it is important to remember to be kind to others and ourselves.

Attendees were also sent into breakout rooms during the workshop and given time to connect with people from all over the world. At the end of the workshop, it was clear that participants left feeling better than when they joined the Zoom call. "It was inspiring and uplifting to see so many people ready to engage with each other in a meaningful way. Deidre presented tools that can be beneficial in their life, such as being flexible and open to any outcome, practicing gratitude and learning to rest in uncertainty,” said Raye Myers, the Director of Honors Presents Lecture Series. Myers continued, “Given the opportunity to self-reflect and listen to diverse perspectives, I was left feeling empowered by our global community and more equipped to face the challenges life throws at us." Additionally, Thiri Wai, Ph.D., of Myanmar came away from the training with this conclusion, "Leadership is not measured by the power and number of followers, but it is beautifully measured by smiles and laughter of the people." This global event, hosted by MSU, allowed for the exchange of cultures and ideas, something that is invaluable during a time when getting together is not possible. Honors Presents are open to the public. The next event will be Friday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. RSVP at https://montanastate.campuslabs.com/engage/event/6484616.