Asian Americans are typically prepared academically and have strong values of harmony and respect, said Zheng, but to move into leadership positions, they need to learn how to communicate and voice opinions, reach out to social and technical communities, and spend time in teaching and service. “Americans are enthusiastic in service activities,” said Zheng, “they become leaders in organizations because of that.”
Sengupta sees value in adjusting to the culture you’re working in order to become a leader, “even if that goes against what you usually do.” For example, in Asian countries seniority comes with age, but not in America where ability is most important. Too often, “Asians wait to take responsibility until it’s too late,” he said.
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