Milestones for Global Leaders' Success in the United States

Prologue
Global Business Leader

Foreword
A Message of Advice for Global Leaders

Hidden Leader Who Shows the Path to Becoming a Global Leader
By Song, Young Soo

The "Initial Power" of Thriving in a Multicultural Organization
By Eom, Jun Ha

Mind's Compass on a Phenomenal Journey
By James Roh

A Guide to Understand American Society and Organizations
By Kim, Young Hun

Ⅰ. American Society
Respect, Honesty, Trust, Attention and Care, Family-Like

Organizing
Marathon
The Vision of the Company and Me
Gossip
Compensation and Motivation
Diversity and Inclusion
Communication and Listening
Efficiency and Effectiveness
Good Company
From "Myself" to "We" and "Together"
Work Life and Satisfaction
Five Core Values for Communication and Relationships
Why Eat Together?

Ⅱ. American Organization
"STAND" Makes Leader 101 a Reality

Personal Management Innovation
My Between Words and Actions
Diagnostic Technique for Leaders
The Age of Lifelong Learning
The Difference Between a Pro and an Amateur
Harmonization of the Viewpoint
Change for Improvement and Growth Is Not an Option but Mandatory
The Distance Between Colleagues
An Attitude of a Leader with Dignity
The Lubricant of Relationships
The Give-and-Take Formula
Basics
The Class of Leaders Who Will Set Nations and Organizations Right
A Truly Professional Manager
The Necessity of Non-Business Communication and Relationships

Ⅲ. American Business
Understand Melting Pot and Salad Bowl First

Individualism and Collectivism Coexist
Cultural Generalization Boundaries
A Gap Between Formal and Pragmatic Logic
Sharing the Korean Sentiment
Stereotypes and Misconceptions About the United States
The Difference Between Friendliness and Friendship
Inherent Characteristics of United States Organizations
Basic Manners in American Organizations

Epilogue
Competencies Required for Leading Diverse Organizations in the United States

The United States is a vast country. Most individuals live within a limited geographic area and time frame, with constrained experience and knowledge. Yet, some confidently assert, "This is what America is." When such voices belong to those with high social status and economic power, their distorted views risk shaping an incomplete or misleading picture of the country.
Immigrants, expatriates, and travelers in the U.S. often experience distinct phases when encountering or adapting to a new culture.
The first is the so-called "tourist phase" or "honeymoon phase," which lasts typically lasts first three to six months. During this period, excitement and curiosity dominates as individuals focus on learning and understanding the new culture. Psychological conflicts are rare, as Americans generally display inclusiveness and hospitality toward short-term visitors and new arrivals.
The second phase is the "confusion and frustration stage," which usually emerges within the first year. By this time, the initial excitement of the move or visit has worn off. As individuals integrate into daily life among Americans, they are no longer seen as visitors but are treated as equals. This shift often brings new challenges and cultural confrontations as they navigate the realities of adapting to a different way of life. This confusion and frustration may lead to feelings of resentment, dislike, or even inferiority toward the U.S. It is not uncommon for individuals to criticize Americans as a way to expressing their negative emotions.
The third stage, known as the "adaptation stage," follows the "confusion and frustration" phase. During this stage, individuals begin to recognize the gap between their expectations and reality and make conscious efforts to bridge it. Over time, you may find themselves gradually embracing the new culture, often without even realizing it. Actively working to understand cultural differences through careful observation and analysis is crucial during this stage, as if helps foster greater acceptance and integration.
For a culture to take shape, certain basic elements are required, often referred to as the 3Ps: place, people, and period.
First, culture is shaped by geographic regions. For instance, the New England area in the Northeastern U.S. is generally conservative, while the West Coast, especially California, is known for its liberal values. The "Bible belt" in the South is heavily influenced by religion and regional pride. These regional differences result in distinct cultural variations, even within the U.S.
Next, culture is shaped by specific people, or demographics. Populations are often categorized by income levels—high, middle, or low—and by occupation, with white-collar workers referring to professionals and mental labors, and blue-collar to those in manual labors. Additionally, the U.S. comprises a diverse range of racial and ethnic groups, including white, black, Latino, and Asian populations. This mix of demographics and social classes creates unique and sometimes surprising cultural dynamics.
In addition, specific generations and time periods play a pivotal role in shaping culture. Older generations often have distinct mindsets and lifestyles compared to younger ones, and as times progresses, culture naturally evolves. The culture of 1000 years ago is vastly different from that of 100 years ago, just as today's culture will differ from that of 100 years in the future.
When describing American culture, metaphors like the "melting pot" and the "salad bowl" are often invoked. The "melting pot" symbolizes unity through blending, while the "salad bowl" highlights the preservation of individual identities within a collective whole.
The United States has a rich history shaped by immigration, evolving into a federation where diverse races from around the world come together as equal members in pursuit of common goals. The "melting pot" metaphor symbolizes the unity of different races and cultures blending together to achieve shared objectives within the "crockpot" of America. In contrast, the "salad bowl" represents the diversity of races and cultures in the U.S., where each retain its unique characteristics, flavors, and colors, much like the vegetables and fruits in a bowl.
Recognizing this, Koreans in the U.S. should strive to maintain pride in their heritage and roots while actively contributing to the growth and prosperity of the U.S. and its communities as
Americans or residents or citizens. This calls for a positive and proactive approach, one that seeks to understand and appreciate American culture rather than criticizing it. By living alongside
Americans and embracing their perspectives, words, and behaviors, Koreans can foster meaningful communication and connections, ultimately serving as civilian diplomat for Korea and engaged citizens of the United States.