Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling

An essential career guide for every Asian American-and all their co-workers and managers-that explains how traditional Asian cultural values are at odds with Western corporate culture.

Leading Asian American career coach and advocate Jane Hyun explains that the lack of Asian Americans in executive suite positions is brought about by a combination of Asian cultures and traditions strait-jacketing Asian Americans in the workplace, and how the group's lack of vocal affirmation in popular media and culture, afflicts them with a "perpetual foreigner syndrome" in the eyes of Americans who don't know enough to understand the challenges placed on Asian Americans in the corporate environment.

Filled with anecdotes and case studies from her own consulting experience covering the gamut of Asian Americans from various backgrounds, the book discusses how being Asian affects the way they interact with colleagues, managers, and clients, and will offer advice and real world solutions while exposing the challenges encountered.

For the Asian reader, the book will help them to see the cultural barriers they subconsciously place in their own career paths and how to overcome them. For the non-Asian reader, the book serves as a primer for promoting optimal working relationships with Asians, and will help start a dialogue that will benefit all.

This essential guide offers a toolkit for navigating corporate America by exploring:

• Cultural Fluency: Learn how deeply rooted Confucian values—like respect for authority and self-control—can clash with Western workplace expectations, and how to bridge the gap without losing your identity.
• The Model Minority Myth: Uncover the dangers of the "model minority" stereotype and the "perpetual foreigner syndrome," and learn why these perceptions can hold you back despite your qualifications.
• Actionable Career Strategies: Master the unwritten rules of corporate America, from self-promotion and navigating office politics to acing performance reviews and negotiating your salary.
• Mentoring and Networking: Build a powerful network and find sponsors who will champion your career, with specific advice for overcoming cultural hesitation in forming these critical relationships.
• A Guide for Managers: For non-Asian leaders, discover how to unlock the full potential of your Asian American team members, foster an inclusive environment, and support their path to the executive suite.