I’m starting my day with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s "I Have a Dream" speech. The entire thing runs just over 17 minutes; I highly recommend investing the time to hear one of the most admirable leaders in US history share his vision for our country.
US Culture | Direct vs. Indirect Communication
How to Succeed with Authenticity
by: Grayson Leverenz
There is a lot of talk about authenticity in US marketing circles today. Consumers demand their brands of choice be authentic in their communication; they want to understand what a brand really stands for before they add it to their shopping basket. As such, the job of the marketer becomes communicating authentically.
Americans value authenticity in part because our culture embraces a direct communication style. We like people to say what they mean and mean what they say. On the CultureWizard communication scale from RW3, the US rates a 2, with 1 being Direct and 5 being Indirect. What that means for International students is that most Americans communicate in a succinct, straight forward manner. We like to get to the point so much in fact that indirect cultures often consider Americans to be rude. When you’re in class or study group meetings, please take this into consideration before you label your colleagues. Americans appreciate content significantly more than context. Most of us do not consider how or when we deliver a message because the message itself is the important point. With that in mind, a midnight email from your American teammate may be every bit as critical as a statement made in your team meeting earlier that day. Focus on the words someone says in class, in meetings and during your job search to ensure you’re receiving the correct message. If you’re unclear, ask for clarification. A good way to do this is to say, “Would you say that to me in a different way?” Or, “Would you help me understand what you meant by…”
Non-verbal cues often slide by Americans unnoticed, especially silence. Most Americans have no idea that silence indicates disagreement in many cultures. They think if a teammate isn’t saying anything, they must not have anything to add to the discussion. Identify non-verbal cues you use in professional situations, and figure out how to articulate them. For example, if you would normally place a hand on the person you’re speaking to as a way to emphasize an important point, you might want to practice saying, “The thing I find most important here is…”
We wouldn’t be having a discussion about communication if conflict didn’t come up. Although very few people in the world actually like conflict, it always seems to be present. In general, Americans consider conflict a necessary factor in business; many Americans actually consider opposing points of view essential to discovering creative solutions. When a US teammate disagrees with you, don’t take it personally. They are most likely either weighing opposing opinions in their mind, or trying to look at all options to arrive at the best answer. Likewise, if you disagree with an approach or solution, you will not insult your US teammates by voicing your opinion. Remember to be authentic and be concise, and you will be well on your way to communicating successfully during your MBA in the USA.
Special thanks to RW3 for their support of the US Culture series.
US Culture | Status vs. Balance Motivation
4 Ways to Incorporate Status into Your US MBA Experience
by: Grayson Leverenz
“What did you do before business school?” Fresh-faced 1st year MBA students answer that question at least 10 times a day for about the first full month of their MBA programs. It’s a perfectly normal way to start a conversation for American students. In US culture, what you do defines who you are. This is the essence of Status Motivation.
Let’s look at the scale for the Motivation dimension of culture. The scale runs from 1 to 5, where 1 indicates Balance motivates society and 5 indicates Status motivates society. The US ranks a solid 5. Americans are undoubtedly driven to succeed, and in few places is this more evident than in the MBA world.
Careers offer a sense of identity in this culture. Higher levels of achievement equate to higher levels of self-worth, and people derive great pleasure from professional success. Americans are goal oriented, and like to be measured against their goals for pay increases, bonuses, promotions, etc.
Here are four ways to incorporate Status Motivation into your MBA in the USA:
by: Grayson Leverenz
Culture’s influence on business success fascinates me. I love studying world cultures, comparing them with my own and figuring out how to work with people. Is it best to start a meeting right on time, or to allow a few minutes for socializing first? Should I call people by their first names, or would that be insulting?
Working with the intercultural specialists at RW3, I’m proud to present US Culture, the next series of MBA in the USA™ articles. Using RW3’s CultureWizard definitions, we’ll dive into the dimensions of US culture, and explore what you can expect from your US counterparts as you pursue an MBA in the USA.
One caveat: I’m writing these articles based on the US country profile. Every person you encounter during your MBA experience will be different. Some will fit the US dimensions perfectly; others will be variations on a theme. Either way, having a basic knowledge of US culture will help immensely as you complete your MBA journey.
On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, claiming freedom from British rule. We fought for that freedom until the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, but we recognize the day we took a stand as Independence Day.
We celebrate our Independence with parades, fireworks, picnics and cookouts. We celebrate being American: loving our families and friends, being free and appreciating the soldiers that keep us safe.
I just finalized the menu for our July 4th cook out, and thought it would be fun to share it with MBA in the USA™ readers.
Brandon & Grayson July 4th Menu
• Hot dogs
• Hamburgers
• Potato salad
• Deviled eggs
• Corn on the cob
• Doritos
• Watermelon
• Apple pie
The beer will be Yuengling, brewed at the oldest US brewery in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
We’ll hang out with friends, videochat with family, and watch fireworks when the sun goes down. I can’t wait!
Happy July 4th!
Click here to learn more about the history of Independence Day.
This guy’s not wearing seersucker, but oh man I love those Derby hats! (image: rellim)
by: Grayson Leverenz
Tune in to NBC at 5pm EST tomorrow for “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby. The first Saturday of May, Churchill Downs Racecourse hosts the kick off the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. People travel from all over the country to attend the fancy parties, show off new spring fashions, and bet on the race.
If you’re not in the Kentucky area, you can host your own Kentucky Derby party with ideas from the Kentucky Derby Party website. Ladies, don’t forget your signature fabulous hat. Men, express your inner southern gent with a seersucker suit. Everyone, make the day a little more surreal with the help of the Mint Julep, official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
For more on the Kentucky Derby, click here.
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