Why should I talk to you?!

An interesting aspect of leadership is the way in which different cultures value and discuss their professional achievements and inspirations. The American culture and the French in particular, differ. Being an Iranian-American, this was an intriguing to read because I feel that I am influenced in ways of both the French and American culture.

To get into the details, here is an example of how the two cultures differ. “Along with professional experiences and activities, top French executives usually mention details concerning their personal lives, such as former professors who had an impact on them, enriching social and personal experiences, books that influenced their outlook on life, and what their convictions are on political and social issues. On the other hand, top American executives will more likely emphasize the progression of their career in terms of professional achievements,” (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014, p. 481). I understand why the French differ in their views because as we have learned throughout the course of the semester, countries like Russia, France, Asia, and even Brazil value personal relationships and getting to know the other party before establishing any type of professional relationship. The American culture usually likes to get to the point and get the job done. However, in the position of an executive regardless of what the industry may be, it is crucial to discuss personal and social experiences as well as an outlook on life. It is these minor details that encourage a transformational leader to excel in their own careers. What do I mean by this exactly? I work for a start-up brand where the CEO, Head of Retail, marketing team and the management team are all involved in the success of their colleague’s careers. We discuss our personal lives because it builds trust and we talk about our past accomplishments with our leaders because it shows them how far we have come and what we are looking to achieve in the future.

The biggest reason why this is so important is a concept we have been discussing for weeks; globalization. The experiences a French, Brazilian, Asian, or even Russian executive endures will outweigh the experiences an American citizen has because of the rich culture, languages, traditions, and work ethic. By sharing these experiences with colleagues, they will have an advantage in building relationships with their clients. I have not been to Iran, but I take pride in my culture and enjoy the food, music, and speaking Farsi. When I am connecting with my clients, this is a way for me to create conversation and learn about them as well. An article I read discusses this exact point of mine. It shares the benefits of interpersonal communication in the workplace. “With good interpersonal skills, your colleagues and even your managers positively perceive you as an approachable person. Coworkers are more comfortable interacting with you when seeking your assistance and advice. You’ll find that people become easier to work with, and you can engage with them more meaningfully, making your productivity more fruitful,” (careeraddict.com). Creating a bond between yourself and your colleagues, as well as yourself and your clients creates an overall synergistic and productive environment. Professional achievements are always great to share, but it is the personal experiences that set you apart from others and make it easier to relate. This is a skill I work on every single day with my colleagues, especially because I am part time temporarily until I finish school. In the three days during the week that I get to work with my colleagues, I want to ensure it is pleasant and productive.

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences (9th ed.). Oxford: Routledge.

Phoraris, S. (2017). The Importance of Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace. Professional Skills. Retrieved from: https://www.careeraddict.com/the-importance-of-interpersonal-skills-in-the-workplace