Cultural differences: how do perceptions affect your career advancement?

1. Language. Knowing how to speak and write English is not a guarantee for effective communication. Communication involves knowing the nuances of the language, idiomatic expressions, slang, and buzz words, and using them appropriately.

The dictionary definition of a word might not be the same as the meaning of how it is used in everyday conversation. For example, "Run that by me again?" does not have the same meaning as its literal interpretation. Questioning authority is not acceptable in some cultures, therefore the misunderstandings become magnified when people do not clarify statements that are not well understood.

2. Directness. In the U.S., being direct and assertive are prized qualities in leadership positions. In other cultures, these characteristics would mark the speaker as rude and uneducated.

It is almost the opposite mindset from one's native culture, therefore these characteristics are difficult to learn, internalize, and practice.

3. In a fast-paced business environment, the ability to make quick responses and to make quick decisions are considered qualities of a good leader. The foreign-born professional is at a disadvantage in that depending on the degree of acculturation to the language, he/she might need to mentally translate the English to his/her native language, and formulate a reply in English before responding. This lag time could lead to loss of credibility in the eyes of U.S. colleagues, even though to a foreign-born the lag might not seem to be inordinately long. This brings up the next point.

4. Differences in thinking patterns. Not only are U.S. Americans straight-forward and "think on their feet", they are also task-oriented. U.S. Americans rely on facts, figures and on logic when they make decisions.

Other cultures rely on establishing relationships and on their role expectations within the organizational context when making decisions. The U.S. Americans might perceive the foreign-born as poor decision makers and poor problem-solvers.

5. Social conflicts. In a society where networking and self-promotion are actively encouraged to advance in the career ladder, most foreign-born professionals do not attend social functions, and if they do, they tend to cluster among themselves. This is understandable because this is where they feel most comfortable socially. In addition, there is also a fear of criticism that they are turning their backs on their own community.

What can you do to succeed in the U.S. as a foreign-born professional?

1. Hang out with the locals. Although some might think that U.S. Americans are superficial when it comes to friendship, taking the time to get know someone from this culture would help a lot in preventing this kind of stereotyping.

Learning another culture's nuances, expressions and mindsets come from direct exposure and experience. One learns to practice the language in a supportive environment, and learn the do's and don'ts without fear of embarrassment. You would find out that they are also genuinely interested in you and your family, so it is a win-win affair.

2.Practice how to be assertive. Being assertive does not mean being confrontational. Find a model, someone form your work situation that you can emulate.

Do not try to change yourself all at once. First, start asking questions or re-stating someone's message, to make sure you had understood. You may start by saying, "So you mean, this is what I should do first, then this, etc.", basically repeating what the other person said, in your own words. It is good practice, and you will impress the other person 'with your attention to detail and with your thoroughness.

3 .Since the speed of response is sometimes more impressive than the quality, practice saying, "Would you please repeat that?" in order to give you time to formulate an answer. By replying right away, it shows your ability to respond immediately, and still come up with a decent answer.

Do not be afraid to say, "Give me a few minutes to think about it." and make sure you come up with an answer within those minutes that you set for yourself.

4. U.S. Americans tend to say, "It's nothing personal," when making constructive criticism. Accept this at face value. If someone makes suggestions about your work, it usually means just that, suggestions about your work and not about your worth as a person. So that you can still talk about sports with that person at lunch time and it does not affect your relationship.

Learn to talk about "just the facts", back-up your arguments with numbers, with tangible evidence and result.

5. Although your work quality and achievements speak a lot about your expertise, being active socially would help you improve your interpersonal skills, your confidence and would increase your credibility . Attending business-related social functions give you a chance to learn the corporate culture, and increases your visibility in the organization helping your chances in career advancement, and positions you as a team player.

You can sill maintain your ties with your family and friends from your native country, and they will be proud of you and support you with your accomplishments in your new country.

Make a personal plan for your career development, taking into account your goals for the future as well as your family and personal relationships, and integrate your professional goals with your life priorities. You might talk to a career coach or a personal transitions coach who can give you support, motivation, and resources that would help you overcome cultural obstacles on your way to success.