Diversity: Leadership Lessons from Norwegian Disaster Movies

I have a secret to share. I am addicted to Norwegian disaster movies. I know this is odd, but it started a few years back when I came across the movie Troll on Netflix. That was my introduction to Norwegian cinema. I watched it in the original Norwegian language, with English subtitles turned on. I thought it was one-and-done, but then I was sent to Norway on business.

I had booked a hotel in Oslo, directly across from the office building where I had business. Incidentally, both buildings are the tallest two buildings in Oslo. While working with a local associate, I mentioned my appreciation for Troll. They laughed and told me I should check out “The Quake.” Oh wow! The Quake is a great movie and features the exact two buildings I was in during my stay! This is where the obsession began, and I blame it on my associate. Since this time, I’ve also watched “La Palma,” “The Wave,” “The Tunnel,” and “The Burning Sea.”

I know you are curious about what the hell a weird obsession with Norwegian cinema (I am also obsessed with Norway in general) has to do with information security.

Let me explain.

This is about the power of diversity. Learning about other cultures, living in different countries, and spending time and interest with people raised differently than you expand your horizons of the possible. It also gives you an additional frame of reference from which to see and interact with your world.

As citizens of America, we are ingrained with the belief that we are the best at everything and that the world revolves around our society. We are taught that our truth, our way of being, and our way of doing things is the “right” way.

However, when you work with an international team, you are subject to the laws and regulations of many regions. You are forced to learn about the culture to understand the work ethic as well as the function of the local entity. To try and lead the “American Way” is a folly, and you realize it in short order. Further, you learn that putting the interests of the worker and the consumer first makes for a happier and more secure society and, by this, a cohesive, motivated, and innovative team!

At this point in my career, I’ve supported global organizations with a local presence on every continent except Antarctica (goals, though). I’ve visited or lived in many of these areas. I have learned to be a better engineer, a better leader, a better thinker, and most importantly, a better person from these experiences. When I find myself defaulting to my “American” viewpoint and problem-solving, I stop. I ask myself, “How would I approach this problem from a different cultural mindset?” If I am short of an answer, I know to ask those in the region. Working together, the best solution presents itself.

So here is my guidance to you on becoming a global thinker:

• Seek out international teams to work with

• Spend time outside of work hours, like sharing a meal, so you get to know the “whole person” of your coworkers.

• Take every opportunity to get “boots on the ground” in the countries you support. If possible, visit for at least a week or live there for an extended period.

• Indulge in the regional arts, food, and traditions. If you can’t do this in person, “Netflix and grow”!

• Learn to run your technical thinking through a global lens in each decision.

• Adopt leadership styles sourced from outside your native culture.

• Listen often and deeply to the perspective of others – wisdom lives here!