Monday, December 26, 2011

if we’re so different, why do we have so much in common?

Christmas always get me thinking about how people around the world do so many things differently, but also how many things we have in common. Across the globe, traditions are similar but may come with differing concepts or adaptations.  For example, in America Santa Claus is large, jolly, round, and flies through the air led by a team of reindeer.  In the UK and commonwealth countries, he is Father Christmas; and not so round, so jolly, nor as airborne.  In Scandinavia, there is yet another adaptation of St. Nick.  Same goes for trees, ornaments, foods, and timing of celebrations.  Other cultures celebrate a range of holidays, all with a common theme but differing approaches.

 So what does this have to do with working virtually?  Well, there are some important parallels with the flatness of the world of information, custom, celebration and observation to that of being able to work anywhere.  This year, I received Christmas greetings from people of 6 continents, all via a direct connection made instantly and all representing some differing aspect of celebrating the holiday.  In the end, we are all recognizing the same ideal, albeit differently, and in contact instantly, virtually, and powerfully.  Being connected makes the world smaller, our understanding of each other more coherent, and the appreciation of our differences and commonalities greater. And as a result, we work better as individuals, as workers, and as people.

 As 2012 begins, virtualwirks is preparing to move from only supporting businesses in their quest for virtual work success to helping the workers themselves.  We will be launching a suite of resources and tools for people who work virtually, enabling all of us to be even better connected and share our common ideals more readily.  We hope you’ll come along.  And like Santa (or whatever you call him), be made jolly in the process.  Happy holiday season, and cheers for a new year ahead.