USA: Tips for Green-Card Winners and other Immigrants

Jamie Mueller is the founder and owner of Caterpillar Spirit. She works with people experiencing change and transition in their personal and professional lives, often times around issues of culture and communication. For more information about Jamie Mueller and her experiences, you can have a look at her webpage.

 

TOP TIPS©: WORKING WITH US AMERICANS

Whether you have been working with US Americans for years or have only just begu, it is important to understand the key differences in cultural values and communication style to ensure for a successful business partnership. Here are a few TOP TIPS© for working with US Americans and understanding the Can-Do Culture.

JUST DO IT

US Americans tend to have a ‘just do it' attitude and show a pragmatic style when making decisions. Decisions which are made quickly and involving a certain level of risk are accepted and expected. Less information may be required to make the decision. More information is likely to come after the initial decision has been made.

WHY NOT?

When deciding whether or not to do something, US Americans tend to ask themselves why not. Why not try something new, take a risk and perhaps fail? The US American culture is a trial-and-error culture. Learning through failure is part of the US American way. Practice makes perfect is a well-known US American proverb.

AGREE TO DISAGREE

While US American communication style tends to be direct, some may understand the style as very indirect when dealing with negative or critical information. Agreeing to disagree on a particularly sensitive or personal issue can happen in the US to maintain the relationship and preserve harmony. Such a communication style can sometimes be confusing as it is not a ‘direct' method of dealing with conflict or disagreement.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Accomplishment and success is a strong US American value. This can be seen in resume styles as well as in interviewing questions. While the quality of experiences is important, so is the quantity of those experiences, both personally and professionally. Taking risks, trying out new careers, hobbies and learning from them to add to ones' accomplishments is a key element in understanding the US American drive for change, success and progress.

I, ME, I.

US American culture values individualism and thinking for themselves. This doesn't mean US Americans aren't willing to offer a helping hand. What it does mean is not giving up control of one's life and one's destiny to others and being able to make one's own decision as free as possible based on personal choice.