[ID:7062]The North American Identity outlines our general attitudes towards work, as well as the cultural differences that could cause problems abroad. It’s easy to assume that your own culture is “right” or “better” than others. But when traveling abroad, or when developing your International IQ, it is important to see North American traits objectively. This section will help you do that.

Top Tips

1. You have cultural baggage! You may not even be aware of it, but when you travel abroad, you take with you your standards, customs and perceptions about the working world. In order to succeed abroad, you’ll need to become aware of your own biases.
2. Know your own traits: North Americans tend to be preoccupied with upward mobility, progress, concrete goals, efficiency and the sense that time is money.
3. North Americans believe in a work/life dichotomy: We tend to view our work lives as completely distinct from our personal lives. But in many other cultures, socializing with colleagues and inquiring after their...