On the first night in Greece, we attended a welcoming dinner at a local restaurant not far from our hotel. Us, after enduring a long trip around the globe, found ourselves seated in a local Greece restaurant with waiters speaking a completely new language. Since this was a paid dinner by our tuition, we or at least myself expected a similar routine compared to what existed in America. What came to my surprise is the different system of working, the waiters didn’t seem too bothered about us showing up late and served us like locals. The serving time between dishes was also shockingly long. I basically got full from the first couple dishes and had to take a step back on the main courses. These actions allowed me to reflect on what is different in Greece.
After the lovely experience on the first night, I have found several more interesting facts about Greece. On the third day or second full day of Greece, we visit the Acropolis or the Highest point of the City which has a great view of the city. It was viewed as a strategic and spiritual fort against enemies. What is fascinating is that the Acropolis was supposed to defend the city and it was completely destroyed by the Persians during the first invasion. It had no protection and sign of greater significance but the Athenians decided to rebuild it. Since then, the Acropolis became a symbol of Athens and stood there until the modern days.
Athens became the world’s center through trade routes and developing a symbol for its new empire. The symbol of the Acropolis along with the defeat of the Persian army at Marathon allowed Athens to create the Alliance of Greece, although not successful in the long run, it did allow Greece to establish short term peace with each other against a common enemy. The creation of an empire also requires smart people to advance new ideals. The socratic philosophers filled the roles and inspired many more. The lesson I have learned is that governments can be considered as businesses with the purpose changed to protecting itselves instead of gaining as much revenue as possible.
In the end, Global leadership is about how regional ideals can be different from each other and accept them. Global Leaders require extensive knowledge and build on top of that with their own ideals to achieve greatness.
