Change lessons from my part-time Italian life: Cultural Perspective

New year. New beginnings. New perspectives. Last October, my Italian cousins visited us. Their trip gave us the chance to rediscover our part of America, New York City. We laughed at their surprise when our Bronx didn’t match the Hollywood portrayal they knew. We smiled as they tasted soul food for the first time in Harlem. We felt their wonderment as they stood before iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and on the top tier of the Empire State Building.

Introducing others to our worlds brings novel insights and a renewed appreciation for things we often take for granted. Think of the times when others come into your organization for the first time—whether it's a summer intern, a recent hire, or colleagues joining through a merger or acquisition. Their fresh look brings to the foreground the traits we’ve grown accustomed to, like a welcoming culture, meaningful work, or inclusive teams—things we may no longer notice or celebrate in our day-to-day lives.

Moments of seeing our world through the eyes of a newcomer has valuable lessons about change, perspective…and rediscovery. All we often hope for in a new year.

“We Have No Words”

As we guided our cousins around the city, pointing out sights and sharing stories, the phrase we heard most was,?“We have no words.”?The beauty of the city and the joy of being part of our daily habits often left them without the words to convey the emotions they were feeling.

In our work lives, it’s easy to lose sight of everyday wonders: the inspiring view from a window, a colleague’s good humor, a warm greeting from the receptionist, or meaningful moments with our team. These occurrences, now routine to us, can feel extraordinary to someone experiencing them for the first time. Reflections on these days with my cousins reminded me to rekindle my appreciation of my workplaces as I witnessed them in my first days of work.

Change Lesson:?Recall your first days and celebrate what awed you with refreshed enthusiasm. Don't discount the joy others may feel about things we may now see as insignificant or just expected. Take the chance, whenever you can, to show a newcomer "the ropes"; you'll walk away with a renewed sense of connection

Pass the Jelly

For our cousins, breakfast is predefined and predictable—a time for something sweet to eat and a perfectly made cappuccino. They weren’t picky about the details; even leftover cornbread from Harlem was fine if jelly was on the table. A small morning ritual, but one that brought comfort and continuity.

When integrating teams, sometimes what seems like the smallest of details can carry the greatest significance. Habits or traditions, seemingly trivial, often symbolize stability and belonging. The key is to identify and honor what matters most to individuals, ensuring they feel seen and valued.

Change Lesson:?Disrupted routines unsettle people. Find a way to retain some of what's familiar. By understanding and preserving the essence of expectations, we create bridges that honor both tradition and change.

Run the Marathon

The timing of our cousins’ visit coincided with the NYC Marathon, a world-famous event. As we stood watching at 126th Street and 5th Avenue, an empty lane beside the runners caught their attention. Without hesitation, they jumped in, running alongside the marathoners for one block while we filmed the minutes for those back home.

I, a longtime New Yorker, would never have done this. But their playful spontaneity suggests that sometimes we need to set aside our self-consciousness and take risks. In organizations, as we grow established, we often hesitate to step out of our lanes, fearing we’ll appear foolish. Yet, in today’s rapidly changing world, a calculated risk—unburdened by preconceived notions—can unlock new ways of thinking and working.

Change Lesson:?Breaking out of our lanes and welcoming others into the "race," regardless of their experience or status, fosters inclusivity and innovation. We all have something valuable to contribute. We can benefit from jumping into the race when it's least expected.

Final Reflection

Our cousin’s visit wasn’t just an opportunity to show off our city—it was a chance to rediscover it. Their wonder, humor, and fresh pairs of eyes reminded me that whether we’re navigating cultural differences or workplace transitions, there’s always something new to learn and appreciate. And if we find ways to connect to what is familiar and comforting, we are more open to sudden acts of spontaneity.

So, as we navigate change in our organizations, let’s remember to celebrate what we have, honor the things that bring comfort, and embrace opportunities for engagement. Who knows? We may just find ourselves saying,?in a positive tone without the eye roll, “We have no words.”

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