Being a prophet in our own land
5 August 2020We’ve been musing, about what it takes to be a prophet in our own land, revered in a sacred national calling. (Let’s leave out being a star in entertainment or sports, because every country has these.) We made up the list below with the judicious use of our own stereotypes. If your country is missing, or if you care to replace our stereotype with yours, please see below to join in. Here goes…
In Japan | be a treasured potter |
In France | be a three-star chef |
In Italy | be an august opera singer |
In Britain | be a wit |
In Germany/Austria | be a departed composer |
In China | be an ancient sage |
In Greece | be a profound philosopher |
In Brazil | be a gutsy prosecutor |
In Switzerland | be a canny banker |
In Canada | be a diplomatic statesperson |
In America | be an audacious entrepreneur |
In Israel | be an intrepid commando |
In Belgium | be a fine chocolatier |
In Russia | be a chess master |
In New Zealand | be a dauntless climber |
In Finland | be an avant-garde architect |
In the Middle East | be a prophet |
In India | be a guru |
In Australia | be a mate |
In Latin America | be a liberating novelist |
In Denmark | be an enchanting storyteller |
In Norway | be a great explorer (cold places) |
In Portugal | be a great explorer (hot places) |
Over to you On Twitter or LinkedIn, feel free to correct or add your own stereotype (a) for your own country only, (b) for a calling that is unique to the country, (c) in two or three English words only, one for the country, one for the calling, and perhaps an adjective for the calling. (We will stop reading after three words, unless you come from the Czech Republic, in which case, four.) Remember: not sports or entertainment, and not just a national characteristic, but one whose best are revered. When we get the results, we will figure out how to convey them to you, so that you can get on with your training.
© Henry Mintzberg 2020
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