Asian Americans, Lead Yourself into Greatness in Workplace!
- Olive Qin
- 4月8日
- 讀畢需時 3 分鐘
2025年4月9日 星期三
Excerpts of Denise Lee Yohn’s Lecture
AAM Editorial Team
Leadership is not confined to formal roles or titles; it exists at all levels within an organization. Individuals can lead as project managers, technical experts, or people managers without holding top executive positions. True leadership involves influencing others, which is essential for personal and professional growth. However, cultural norms and stereotypes, such as the "model minority" myth, can create barriers. This stereotype imposes expectations on Asian Americans to conform to certain behaviors that may not align with their true identities. Those who deviate from these expectations often face misunderstandings or pressure to overwork, leading to burnout. Passive strategies, like hoping for change, are ineffective; proactive adaptation is necessary.
Yao Lee, a user experience designer who moved from China to the U.S., faced challenges adapting to corporate America’s cultural norms. Initially, she believed hard work alone would earn recognition, but she learned that leadership in the U.S. is as much about perception and relationships as it is about outcomes. She realized the importance of self-advocacy, networking, and shaping how others perceive her contributions. By seeking mentors, presenting at conferences, and building confidence in her decision-making, she overcame cultural barriers and thrived in her career.
Adapting to workplace norms does not mean abandoning one’s identity but rather understanding and navigating differences to succeed. Self-leadership is foundational, requiring self-awareness, a growth mindset, and continuous skill development. Effective leaders prioritize others, practicing humility and empathy. Listening with the intent to understand, rather than to reply, strengthens relationships and fosters trust.
Servant leadership, which focuses on serving others, is a path to significance. It involves helping others grow, leveraging their strengths, and aligning with their goals. True success is measured by the positive impact one has on others, not just personal achievements. By embracing these principles, individuals can lead authentically, navigate cultural challenges, and achieve meaningful influence in their workplaces.
All this wisdom ultimately points to God, our Creator, who endowed us with leadership gifts. It is the unique potential He planted in each of our lives that enables us to fulfill our true calling and mission in the workplace.
【中文翻译】
发挥亚裔美国人的职场领导力
领导力并不局限于正式的职位或头衔；它存在于组织的各个层级。个人可以作为项目经理、技术专家或人员管理者展现领导力，而不必担任高管职位。真正的领导力在于影响他人，这是个人和职业成长的关键。然而，文化规范和刻板印象，比如“模范少数族裔”的迷思，可能会构成障碍。这种刻板印象对亚裔美国人提出了特定行为的期望，而这些期望往往与他们的真实身份不符。那些偏离这些期望的人常常会遭遇误解或被迫过度工作，最终导致倦怠。被动等待改变无效；必须采取主动适应的策略。
Yao Lee 是一位从中国移居美国的用户体验设计师，她在适应美国企业文化的过程中遇到了诸多挑战。起初，她以为只要努力工作就能获得认可，但她后来意识到，在美国的职场环境中，领导力不仅关乎成果，还关乎他人对你的看法与人际关系。她认识到自我倡导、人脉建设以及影响他人对自己贡献的看法同样重要。通过寻找导师、在会议上发言，以及建立对自身决策的信心，她克服了文化障碍，在职业上取得了成功。
适应职场规范并不意味着放弃自我身份，而是要应对文化差异以获得成功。自我领导是基础，它要求具备自我意识、成长型思维以及持续的技能发展。有效的领导者会把他人放在首位，践行谦卑与同理心。以理解为目的倾听，而非急于回应，有助于增强人际关系并建立信任。
服务型领导力是一条通向卓越成就的道路。它强调服务他人，帮助他人成长，发掘他们的优势，并与他们的目标保持一致。真正的成功，不仅在于个人成就，更在于对他人产生的积极影响。通过遵循这些原则，个人可以实现真实的领导力，应对文化挑战，并在职场中实现有意义的影响力。
这一切的智慧，最终都指向那位创造我们并赋予领导才能的上帝。正是祂在每个人心中埋下的独特潜力，让我们在职场中活出真正的呼召与使命。
想与我面对面交流吗？来参加使者今年五月9-11日在马里兰中华圣经教会《无可替代的你》青年职场软技能研习会（英语活动、中文小组）！报名链接：
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制作同工：Olive、Liz