We do many things well in this country, but occasionally you talk to someone who is under the assumption that we do “everything better in the United States.” I disagree. I always enjoy learning something new each time I travel to another country.
During a recent trip to the UK I noticed some things that the British did particularly well:
- QUEUES MAINTAIN ORGANIZATION AND COURTESY
No matter where we went it was easily understood where we should stand to wait to be served , whether we were in a store or in a busy museum. People formed a queue to be served as efficiently as possible. They did not have to wonder where to stand or cut in line.
- SPEED LIMITS CHANGE ACCORDING TO THE TIME OF DAY
I noticed that one road had electronic speed limit signs that posted low speed limits when traffic was heavy in the morning, but higher limits later in the day when there were fewer cars on the road.
- FEWER STOP LIGHTS MEANS FEWER ACCIDENTS
There seemed to be more round-a-bouts, which made traffic flow very efficiently. The USA is starting to create more of these, maybe because we noticed the ones in the UK. Now, if we just follow #1 and #6 and maintain organization and courtesy at these, our country will do well, too.
- SMALLER FOOD PORTIONS SERVED AND PACKAGED
There was less waste and encouragement to consume fewer calories by serving smaller portions in food establishments and having smaller portion packages available in the supermarket.
- MORE HOLIDAYS HELPS PEOPLE DE-STRESS
There is a feeling that people deserve more time off to relax and enjoy their lives.
- UK DRIVERS WERE SOME OF THE MOST COURTEOUS
Although they drive faster, drivers seemed to be more skilled and more courteous in their driving. In fact, I visited eight cities and only saw two road “events” involving police officers. I’m not sure either of them were accidents.
- SUPERMARKETS DONATE MONEY TO FAVORED CHARITIES\
They take the money you donate and ask you what percentage you think should go to various local charities. Then the store directs percentages of donations to those causes.
- HERE’S TO HEATED TILES ON HOTEL BATHROOM FLOORS!
I just added this because it felt SO good! The hotels we stayed in had heated tile floors, which were great after your morning shower. (I threw that one in because it was SO cool— or warm, to be exact.)
Question: What could you come up with that is UNIQUE for your organization (and maybe this country?)
