If Marco Polo had taken a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) assessment test today, he would probably have a high score for his CQ motivation. Just look at the detailed chronicle of his travels, it showed a traveller with immense curiosity and interest to discover those who were culturally different from him. Though no one believed Marco’s stories when he first told them, no one could discount that he did return to Venice with a vast fortune. Besides, just like the title of the book, he discovered the marvels of the world, so he certainly believed he had had an interesting and rewarding life!
We always hear the phrase “standing on the shoulders of giants”. In today’s interconnected world, what can we learn from Marco Polo? His curiosity? His courage to explore? His willingness to accept things different from what he knew? His mercantile trade ability to strike a “win-win” relationship? There are so many things we can learn from this Venetian merchant that can help us develop our cross-cultural skills!
Looking beyond the popular touristic sites, I have definitely gained a very different perspective of Venice. It was a far richer trip than what I’ve initially expected.
Let’s be as curious as Marco Polo. Every encounter we have with another fellow being may tell an unexpected and a richer story! Let’s enjoy the summer and live life to the fullest!