Howdy ,
I'm bringing you the first episode of "Book Excerpts: Winning Beyond Borders: Achieving Success at Work in a New Country"
Ain't no stopping us now. Let's get into it.
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Let me see if you have heard of any of these stereotypes.
Most Brazilians are great soccer players - blame that on Pele and the 5 World Cups Brazil has won. You can also add the many superstar footballers they have rolled out from their secret laboratory in the belly of Pico da Neblina.
Most Germans drink a lot of beer - this may be because of Oktoberfest and a World War II story. It claims that Germans, fearing that the allied forces may have poisoned their water, took to beer instead of water (I wonder who made up that story).
Most Americans are loud - it's not their fault; the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," may have something to do with that. Which other country has an anthem that promises you "something to make you quake in your boots" if you try to step to us?
Most Canadians are polite - this should be obvious. When people think your sibling is loud, you must show them the other side of the family trait. This way, outsiders can spot the difference in siblings.
Most Italians are obsessed with fashion - you are probably not surprised to hear this one. Why? Names like Versace, Prada, Valentino, Armani, and Moschino are in the "Made in Italy" crowd. They make the world go gaga for Italian labels.
Most Russians are scary - blame Hollywood for that. Which other accent do movies give the villains most of the time? Russian - if they want a terrifying villain. But if they want the villain to appear untrustworthy, they go for a British accent. Why? Because nobody can count on those high-class, snobbery posh Brits to be on the up-and-up.
Most English people love talking about the weather - blame it on the rain (I am not talking to you, Milli Vanilli). When your lovely skies so very often get punctuated by the rain or the chill, it's easy to see why it will be top-of-mind.
Most Nigerians show off - blame it on the fact that they can't have a good time without trying to bring everyone into the merriment. Even when they meet a long-lost relative on the street, they get you into the experience. They do it by going through the many layers of human emotions.
I'm sure you smiled a bit reading all about all these stereotypes. Yes, stereotyping has a funny side, but this is not the one I want you to remember.
I was hoping you could think about the stereotype that defines a whole nation by the misstep of a few individuals. You will have to face this as you show up every day in the workplace. Sometimes, it is spoken; most times, it is shown in how others will treat you in the workplace.
…continued in the book “Winning Beyond Borders: Achieving Success at Work in a New Country”
Available Now
In Nigeria:
Ebook - https://selar.co/WBB-pdf
Paperback - https://selar.co/WBB-paperback
Internationally - https://www.workplacemultipliers.com/WBB
Tata,
Tola
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