Why should I change my North American work habits?

Hi Julia,

This is an important question, because a lot of people go abroad with a similar perspective.

To be a successful international individual and cross-cultural worker, you must understand your own biases and put your own cultural baggage in perspective.

North Americans have a particular way of looking at the world, especially the working world. In general, we believe in progress, hierarchies, upward mobility, individual agency and the separation between work and personal lives. These beliefs are not held worldwide, and by refusing to adapt your professional mindset, you may be setting yourself up for unnecessary hassle.

In some cultures, personal relationships are prized over deadline orientation. This may seem foreign to those with the “time is money” North American mindset, but that does not necessarily mean that this way of looking at the world is wrong. It is simply different.

If you are planning to work in an international environment for any length of time, you will find that the skills you need most are adaptability, flexibility, open-mindedness and cultural sensitivity. Check out the articles linked below (for registered users) and good luck!

• Top Tips: The North American Identity in the International Workplace
• [idlink:0123: %title]
• The North American Attitude Toward Work
• What We Need to Improve On

Best wishes,

Jean-Marc