Maybe They’re Not Rude, It’s a Cultural Thing
By Ife Thomas
Day two of my MBA at Cranfield University has given me profound insights into the importance of reflection and understanding cultural differences.
1. Real-Time Reflection Is a Game-Changer
We were tasked with presenting a group challenge, and while we all respectfully contributed, I realised afterward that we didn’t assign a project manager. If we had, it could have structured the task more efficiently. But what stood out was the ability to reflect in real time with my team, asking, “What would you do differently?” Real-time reflection allows you to tap into raw insights without overthinking, which is powerful for growth.
2. Cultural Differences Aren’t Always Obvious
As a brit, I found myself reflecting on something seemingly small: how we navigate escalators and trains in London. “Stand on the right, walk on the left”—basic, right? But when I asked some of my international classmates why this was new information, I learned that in places like India, trains operate differently, doors stay open, and you jump on or off whenever possible.
This was a cultural difference I had never considered. It reminded me that assumptions can cloud our judgment of others’ behavior. Maybe they’re not rude, maybe it’s a culture thing.
3. Practical Lessons for All of Us
Here in the UK, we sometimes take for granted simple things like carrying an umbrella or having vitamin D supplements ready, but these are practices that can catch newcomers off guard. This reminded me that we all have things we could learn from different cultures. What’s “normal” for me isn’t universal, and there’s power in acknowledging that.
This journey so far is a beautiful reminder that reclaiming your narrative means challenging assumptions, reflecting in real-time, and embracing the lessons others bring.
I’m excited to keep learning and growing, and day two has already given me so much to think about.
How do you reflect in real-time?
What assumptions about others have you recently challenged?
