Canadians have a reputation for being polite… typically acting in ways that are kind and considerate. Having spent more than two months there the past few years working with leaders from the western provinces across the country to Newfoundland, I think that perception is true.
Whether training, facilitating meetings or joining in a walk-around, there were three times I heard someone behaving in a contrary way. From my experience, our ‘friends to the north’ typically see the glass almost full and seek solutions to challenges. I find it inspirational to be around them.
Good for the ego, too, as the evaluation rankings I receive are always high.
Although, one of them did tell me recently: “Take our ratings with a grain of salt. We never say anything bad about anybody.” Maybe I should limit the references to college football, Tex-Mex and ‘Hamilton’ from now on.
