One of my Asian co worker sent me this. Read on.
_______________________________________________________
Academic excellence vs. social skills
Wes Fung, Special to the Sun

A recent article in The Vancouver Sun talked about the lack of senior management opportunities for visible minorities in the corporate world.

The term "racism" was bandied about as an explanation. Certainly racism may be applicable in some situations, but to imply that racism is the only explanation devalues its meaning.

Another explanation is likely found in Asian culture and our over-emphasis on academic excellence. Many Asian children are encouraged and pressured to do well in school at the expense of any meaningful social interaction derived from activities such as sports, music and the arts.

If academics develop the mind, then social pursuits enrich the soul and shape our character by allowing the participants to communicate with real people in dynamic situations.

Asians are conditioned to work hard and succeed quietly when western culture heaps praise on the loud and the proud (think Donald Trump.)

Asian students graduate from universities with some of the highest marks, but many lack the interpersonal skills to relate to their peers. It's impossible to hone a high degree of social competence when one has one's nose buried in textbooks and computer games all day.

Faced with this deficiency, many junior executives would probably feel uncomfortable in leadership roles, choosing instead to remain loyal employees who make their bosses look good.

In the corporate world, a charismatic personality is just as important as intelligence in leading any major organization.

Perhaps a lack of charisma is another reason we find it difficult to shatter that glass ceiling, but we sure know how to polish it.

Wes Fung lives in Richmond.

Absolutely right

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chandresh

Advice is free – lessons I charge for!!

Why are US based Indians/Asians relatively more visible in senior positions?

DIO:

Do you think it is just asians or visible minorities that this applies to? My experience has been that even caucasians who are very smart in school tend to be seen as 'nerdy' or 'socially awkward' or whatever.

Just a thought.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
~ Morning rain