Office and the Work Environment
Talking With Americans
Time Conscious
Personal Hygiene

Office and the Work Environment

Before you start your first day, get a hang of how the work environment is at the client's place from any PCS person there or read on for some typical environments you may find.

• Project Leaders are very understanding and friendly. And do not unduly pressurize you to perform. They will definitely give you some time to come up to speed on their work environment.
• There is a lot of individualistic approach. Every person's inputs are given a lot of importance. Independent views are respected. Before discarding any of your ideas, they will give you a good enough reason for doing so.
• For the smallest of decisions they will sometimes hold a meeting and get the entire team's inputs/comments/suggestions before proceeding. One feels important when this is done. But sometimes it can get boring.
• Nobody double checks what you are saying, they take you for your word.
• There are no suspicious feelings and managers don't fear subordinates.
• Managers will openly discuss about their meetings with "their" bosses, with the team. There is no hide and seek as far as information/feedback is concerned.
• People admit if they don't know or have information about certain things. They don't pretend to be all knowing.
• People are dedicated to their area of work and develop expertise in it. But they do not talk about work related topics which are not in their area of expertise, they immediately refer you to the right person.
• People enjoy their work and leisure. They plan their weekends well in advance. Very few people stay back late in the office or come and work during weekends. Such things are not related to performance. As long as you do your work well and within time, nobody cares what else you do and when.
• Most companies allow you to compensate by working during the weekend if you take an 'off' from work on a regular weekday.
• The work hours in most companies are flexible. Come anytime and go anytime but you do need to put in a minimum of 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week as contractors.
• Regular time sheets "may" have to be filled, in some companies.

Always be polite and courteous in your dealings. In conversation with Americans, do not interrupt or reply until you completely understand what the person is asking; or until the person has stopped talking. Too often we attempt to answer questions before they are fully asked; many times saying something that is not actually what they are trying to ask of us. Be patient and do not speak up so quickly.

Be careful about talking 'too fast'. Many americans have trouble with Indian accents, and speaking quickly only adds to their problem. This is especially true in the southern part of USA. Also, do not be embarrassed to ask someone to repeat what they have said as you may have problems with their accent as well.

Be prepared to ask them to explain to you in more details what they want from you if you are unclear as to what it is, during their conversation. Usually, they much prefer you to do this versus finding out later that you really did not understand exactly what they wew asking you to do. By not asking, your work may fall short of their expectations; or you may do something wrong.

Time Conscious

Americans are very time concious. Normally, people tend to arrive a few minutes before the appointment time for most meetings. This applies to meetings within an organization as well as appointments with people from outside the organization. In case of any unforeseen delay, they usually make it a point to inform the person by telephone, about the extent of delay.

Many americans may also say to you, "stop by anytime". This is more easily done with first line managers, project managers or staff. Usually second line managers and above expected you to have an appropriate appointment, or to call them to see if they are free before you actually "stop by".

If any americans asks for and receives a commitment to a time, or date for a task to be completed, then they expect that to occur by that time or date. The American business climate is very punctual; therfore, pay attention to your own habits about promptness and ensure that they are as professional as your client expects.

Personal Hygiene

Always maintain a good standard of personal hygiene. Americans are quite sensitive to unpleasant odors that may be caused by bad breath, sweating or from socks and under garments that are not cleaned daily. Also, dandruff flakes on your clothing is another indication to Americans that one needs to use a shampoo designed for problem scalp/hair conditions.

It is advisable to bathe daily, in the morning before going to work, and to use an anti-perspirant or deodarant before dressing. A cologne may also be helpful. Use a moisturizer on your skin if it tends to get chafed during winter. Since spicy Indian foods will affect your breath, having a breath or candy mint after eating, and periodically during the day, will help. Be aware that most American men shampoo their hair daily and the ladies every few days. Check any other oil you are using to make sure there is no unpleasant odor associated with it.