An article in the New York Times describes a situation in Belgium that is interesting and unusual.  Reportedly, Belgium's goverment is essentially non-existant right now because of tensions between the French-speaking and Flemish-speaking citizens.  The nation is at a stand-still because ridiculous laws and historical precedents are creating a difficult, if not impossible, atmosphere for success. 

The majority of the issues center around language and culture that makes each group distinctive.  One would think that Europeans, of all people, would be excited and engaging to those who come from different backgrounds.  The European community as a whole makes up a very small geographical area, however, the diversity of cultures, languages, and ethnicities makes it a veritable melting pot.  It's hard to imagine a country in the midst of this diversity soup that isn't striving to preserve their unique flavor as countrymen but is instead trying to divide and blame.

What does this have to do with learning and training?  At first glance, maybe not much.  As you begin to examine the situation more closely you see that folks are holding on tight, too tightly, to what's happened in the past.  This is preventing any growth or development, both parties are suffering.  Learning can be like that.  We can learn one way and work really hard at doing it well.  Years later a new, better way is developed but we are so tightly wound around the old way that we can't give it up.  Our work and our way begin to suffer.  Change is difficult to accept, but like the Belgians, if we want to succeed and experience harmony, we will have to compromise on some things.