Uniqueness in moderation

Strive to be truly yourself: build the "we"

On hundreds of occasions involving United Nations personnel selection or advanced training, I have noticed the barely concealed discomfort of Western colleagues when engaging in deep dives into teamwork, inclusive decision-making, and circular leadership. Conversely, most people from Eastern cultures do not instinctively warm to uniqueness, the competition of the "I," or alpha leaders. For the successful management of a project or a village, is it better to choose uniqueness—even at the risk of individualism—or multiplicity, even if it borders on communitarianism? This is a classic theme in the East-West dialogue and a favorite topic in cross-cultural psychology and sociology, often framed within the "individualism-collectivism" continuum. Modern globalization is blurring boundaries, yet the East-West divide remains pronounced.

Western cultures (particularly in North America and Northern Europe) tend to prioritize independent self-construction. In this framework, the individual is viewed as a distinct, autonomous entity possessing unique internal attributes. Success is often defined by the ability to stand out, assert one's rights, and express personal opinions.
According to cultural dimensions theory, individualistic societies focus on the "I" rather than the "we." In these cultures, "ties between individuals are loose: everyone is expected to look after themselves and their immediate family" (Geert Hofstede, *Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind*, FrancoAngeli, 2010). Others argue that Westerners tend to employ "analytic" cognition, focusing on the object and its attributes independently of the context (Richard Nisbett, *The Geography of Thought*, Free Press, 2004).

In contrast, Eastern cultures (particularly in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia) often operate based on an interdependent sense of self.
Here, the individual is defined by their relationships and their place within a broader social network. Rather than erasing uniqueness in a negative sense, the goal is often social harmony (*wa* in Japanese, *he* in Chinese). Personal desires are frequently subordinated to the needs of the group to ensure stability and tranquility.
Nisbett’s research shows that Easterners tend to employ "holistic" cognition—emphasizing the relationships between objects and their environment—rather than viewing an object in isolation.

I have learned that it is important to avoid the "binary" trap. Most cultures are a blend of both social aspirations and experiences, and economic development often steers societies toward more multifaceted behaviors.
Carl Jung taught that community creates warmth, while uniqueness creates light; therefore, it is best to seek neither an illumination that leaves us out in the cold nor a warmth that leaves us in the dark.

Sandro Calvani
NP April 2026