Cultural values often subconsciously influence the way you interact with others and how you behave in the workplace. Learn more about it in this section of the toolkit.
If this is your first time meeting each other, introduce yourself to your mentor/mentee! Few key points to talk about:
- Talk about your cultural background
- Tell a story about your career and how you have gotten to where you are right now
- For mentors: What is something you wish you knew when you were a fresh graduate?
Goals are very important in mentorship, as it sets a direction to the session.
Mentees should set goals into what you want to achieve in this session, while mentors can set expectations over what you can provide in this session and what you are unable to give guidance on.
According to Jane Hyun, Confucian values have a profound impact on Asian religion, government, and social structure. They are deeply ingrained in Chinese society today, and greatly differ compared to Western values.
Learn and start a conversation between mentor and mentee about the bamboo ceiling through this session of “This or That”:
Based on the icebreaker game “This or that”, this activity aims to build connection between mentor and mentee, encourages conversation and resolve concerns mentees might have.
View instructions1. There will be two options presented. Mentor and mentee will choose which option they relate to more.
2. After choosing, click on the arrow. The next card contains information about the bamboo ceiling and how cultural values influence the way Chinese-Australians interact and behave in the workplace.
3. Lastly, there will be a series of discussion questions that guides conversations between mentor and mentee.
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to open up and share their own stories.
Mentors are encouraged to guide and talk through any question or concerns mentees have.
Confucian values emphasise on self control, order, study and education.
Traditional Asians tend to emphasise on the following values: Collectivism, conforming, placing other’s needs ahead of one’s own, While western values greatly emphasise on freedom and individuality.
Self-promotion, confidence and assertion as a leader in the workplace is greatly valued.
Many asians report growing up in an environment which encourages conformity. Thus in workplaces, they might feel uncomfortable with self-promotion and standing up.
1. Talk about your childhood upbringing amongst each other. What were some cultural values that were emphasised by your family growing up?
2. Now, reflect on these values. Are they ingrained in you since youth? If so, talk about how these values influence individual and workplace interactions: such as how you behave around authority, colleagues or your peers. Think of circumstances where it has benefited you and challenged you, and how you overcome these challenges.
It is important to recognise your values and how it influences you. BUT, this doesn't mean you have to change who you are. Rather, to stand up for your rights and put yourself out there at times necessary.
People are more likely to elect someone as a leader if it fits their perception of a 'leader', this is called implicit leadership theory.
In a study conducted with Chinese employees, it was reported their perception of ‘leader’ is much influenced by Confucius traits: Personal morality, goal effectiveness, interpersonal competency and versatility
While white caucasians believe of leadership should have more assertive traits: Sensitivity, dedication, tyranny, intelligence, attractiveness, charisma, masculinity, intelligence, and strength.
1. For mentors: Tell a story of a time where you have acted assertively in the workplace. What was the situation and outcome, and how did you feel?
2. For mentees: What are some concerns that you have when it comes to being assertive in the workplace? How can you learn from your mentor’s story? Reflecting back on your journey, how has your personality greatly benefited you in work or teamwork situations?
You don't have to force yourself to be assertive, but you must recognise times where you have to be assertive and fight for yourself. Be persistent and aggresive in a style you're comfortable with.
Asians have always been viewed as the ‘model minority, perceived as hard-working, studious and smart compared to their White counterparts.
However, this is harmful, diminishing our struggles faced in society. Given our achievements, there is an illusion of success that leads society to expect we are overrepresented and don’t face struggles compared to other racial minorities.
and are more likely to be evaluated to be competent in technical roles such as engineers.
1. Has the “model minority” stereotype ever negatively impacted you? How did you feel about it? Have you ever tried breaking through it?
2. How has parental expectations impact your career aspirations? (E.g. choosing a major in university or choosing a job)
You don't need to live up to others expectations!
Mentees can now choose one or two topics of discussion or up-skilling exercise below, raising any concerns and questions for discussion.
Identifying which barriers are applicable to you is important, so you will know what will potentially be holding you back from your career. Spend some time completing the following sheet of exercise* on your own, and identify potential solutions together.
*Assessment was published and curated by Jane Hyun in her book “Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Career Strategies for Asians”
"Narrative Scarcity" is when there is lack of narrative in mainstream media about minorities. Minorities are unable to see themselves represented in different perspectives as mainstream media projects the same story every time.
Viet Thanh Nguyen explains that the only way of breaking through this is to be consistently telling stories of experiences of minorities, and telling different ones.
Share between mentor and mentees on how do you storytell your own experiences? What are comfortable tools you use to express and tell your own story to the world?
You can learn more about storytelling as a minority in here.
"Break the Bamboo" is a mentorship toolkit for experienced Chinese-Australians to mentor younger Chinese-Australians so they can fight through the Bamboo Ceiling in Australia.
