Jane Hyun
Founder
Hyun & Associates
The “Techy” Stereotype
Prabha, 32, who is Asian Indian and works in business development, has never taken an engineering class in college.
She recalls: “Until very recently, most people upon first meeting me automatically assumed that I must be a programmer or an “IT” person.” When this first happened, she was annoyed at the “techy” stereotype that was ascribed to her. Over time, she used those opportunities selectively to engage some of these individuals into a conversation about her cultural identity, family experience, heritage, and her real job function.
*The subjects for this story requested that their names be changed or removed to protect their identities.
Overcoming Stereotypes
July 2010
As our globalized companies expand their reach, there is an increased chance for cultural misunderstandings and lost communication. Ethnicities can get lumped into one category, (i.e. a Chinese American being mistaken for Korean, etc. or a Columbian mistaken for Puerto Rican, etc.). It’s easy to jump to stereotypes because we don’t know enough about the other person. Too often, we are hesitant to ask questions that help us get to know someone better because we try hard to be “PC”. These tips can help you to connect meaningfully with someone who is different than you.
Help Build Bridges to Mutual Understanding
No matter your ethnic identity/cultural background, you can be an agent of change by making more people aware of your heritage. The more people understand the distinctions among nationalities and cultures, the deeper their knowledge of those nuances will be.
Stay Resilient—Adopt a Positive Attitude
While there are people who intentionally mean harm, many are simply unaware of how to address cultural differences and may say things that are not meant to be offensive.
Assume Positive Intent Before Confronting a Stereotype
If you need to address someone who has made a generalization about you, identify ways to create a bridge with your co-worker. Assume positive intent unless you become convinced otherwise. If you need to correct someone, do it in a constructive way so that the relationship remains intact.
Mentor Someone Who Is Different Than You
If you’re a manager, find a protégé and let that person understand the importance of working effectively with people who are different than them. By the same token, seek a mentor from a different background who can teach you something new.
Demonstrate Genuine Interest In Building a Relationship
Instead of socializing only with those people you feel comfortable with, consider taking someone new out to lunch to get to know them better. Once you’ve developed a basis for a friendship, you can ask him about his background and family experience. And remember, people can smell insincerity from a mile away! If you are interested in building diverse relationships, take the time to genuinely build them and invest in them over the long haul.
Attitude Is Critical
Understand that everyone has a set of cultural filters (even Americans who were born here) that may keep you from fully understanding someone from a different perspective, so seek to ask questions.
Jane Hyun, Founder of Hyun & Associates (www.hyunassociates.com) is an internationally recognized executive coach, cross-cultural leadership strategist and author of Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling (HarperCollins).