In his groundbreaking book “Awe” which I have just finished reading, renowned psychologist Dacher Keltner explores the transformative emotion that makes us feel part of something larger than ourselves. While awe is an emotion that is beneficial in all life domains, I have found that his insights have particular resonance for those of us navigating global work.
Keltner defines awe as the feeling we experience when encountering something vast that transcends our current understanding of the world. This emotion, he argues, serves a vital evolutionary purpose: it binds us together, diminishes our ego, and helps us find our place within larger social networks and natural systems. Through extensive research, Keltner identifies eight primary triggers of awe:
- Moral beauty, such as witnessing acts of courage or kindness;
- Collective movement, e.g., participating in synchronized activities;
- Nature, e.g., experiencing natural wonders;
- Music, e.g., being moved by powerful performances;
- Visual design, such as encountering magnificent architecture;
- Religious or spiritual experiences;
- Life and death, when witnessing births or contemplating mortality;
- Epiphanies, when we experience moments of sudden understanding.
The Global Workplace as an Awe Generator
What strikes me about these triggers is how naturally they align with global work experiences. Working across borders offers unique opportunities to encounter awe in ways that might be missed in more localized work contexts:
Cultural Immersion. Crossing cultural boundaries exposes us to diverse worldviews, traditions, and ways of life. Each interaction with colleagues from different cultures can trigger what Keltner calls “moral beauty” – moments when we witness unique expressions of human values and kindness that transcend cultural boundaries.
Architectural Wonders. Global assignments often place us in cities with remarkable architecture, from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers. These structures, Keltner notes, can evoke awe through their scale and artistic achievement.
Natural Diversity. Global work frequently involves travel through varied landscapes and ecosystems. These experiences align with Keltner’s emphasis on nature as a primary source of awe, whether it’s witnessing the Northern Lights during a Scandinavian business trip or seeing the Australian outback during a remote assignment.
Collective Rituals. Global teams participate in diverse cultural celebrations and traditions, creating opportunities for what Keltner describes as “collective effervescence” – the shared energy that emerges when people move and celebrate together.
The Benefits of Awe in Global Work
Keltner’s research shows that experiencing awe can reduce stress and inflammation, increase humility and perspective-taking, enhance creativity and learning, strengthen social bonds, and improve overall well-being—awe is indeed a powerful emotion!
These benefits are particularly valuable in global work contexts, where success often depends on our ability to remain open, adaptable, and connected to others despite cultural differences. As I have shown in my own research, global leaders who enact downward deference to their local teams effectively reduce social distance to and seek connection with their direct reports to get work done—and are 20% more successful than their peers who do not engage in these leadership behaviors.
Cultivating Awe in Your Global Career
So what can you do to maximize opportunities for awe in your global work—and benefit more from everyday wonder?
Take time to truly observe your surroundings when working in new locations. Instead of rushing between meetings, arrive early to walk through local neighborhoods. Notice the architecture, the rhythm of daily life, and the subtle cultural differences in how people interact. Set aside your phone and practice what Keltner calls “conscious looking”—giving your full attention to your environment, whether it’s the intricate patterns in a local market or the way sunlight plays across a city square.
Engage deeply with local colleagues and their traditions. For example, accept invitations to cultural celebrations or family events. You can also learn about local holidays and their significance or ask thoughtful questions about customs and practices that differ from your own. When colleagues share their traditions, approach them with genuine curiosity rather than judgment. Something as simple as participating in a traditional tea ceremony or learning the proper etiquette for a business meal can become a profound source of awe.
Document and reflect on moments that expand your worldview. Keep a “culture journal” where you record experiences that challenge your assumptions or shift your perspective. You could write about moments when you felt small in the face of something greater—whether it is a magnificent piece of architecture, a moving cultural ceremony, or an act of unexpected kindness from a colleague. These written reflections help cement the experience of awe and allow you to track your own growth and transformation.
Share your experiences of wonder with others. When you encounter something awe-inspiring, resist the urge to immediately post it on social media. Instead, share these experiences through meaningful conversations with colleagues, friends, and family. Describe not just what you saw or did, but how it made you feel and what you learned. Your stories might inspire others to seek out similar experiences and help create a culture that values and nurtures awe.
Seek out local cultural and natural experiences during business travel. Rather than staying confined to your hotel and office, research nearby cultural sites, museums, or natural areas you can visit. Even with a packed schedule, you might find time for an early morning visit to a local temple, an evening walk through a historic district, or a weekend excursion to a nearby natural wonder. These intentional encounters with beauty and culture can transform routine business trips into opportunities for profound connection and wonder.
As Keltner emphasizes, awe isn’t just a pleasant emotion—it is a vital experience that helps us navigate our place in an increasingly interconnected world. By recognizing and embracing opportunities for awe in our global work, we can enhance both our professional effectiveness and our personal growth while contributing to greater cross-cultural understanding. And it seems that we will need a great deal more of such understanding in the coming years to keep our societies and global community going!