Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling - by Jane Hyun (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An essential career guide for every Asian American--and all their co-workers and managers--that explains how traditional Asian cultural values are at odds with Western corporate culture.

Leading Asian American career coach and advocate Jane Hyun explains that the lack of Asian Americans in executive suite positions is brought about by a combination of Asian cultures and traditions strait-jacketing Asian Americans in the workplace, and how the group's lack of vocal affirmation in popular media and culture, afflicts them with a "perpetual foreigner syndrome" in the eyes of Americans who don't know enough to understand the challenges placed on Asian Americans in the corporate environment.

Filled with anecdotes and case studies from her own consulting experience covering the gamut of Asian Americans from various backgrounds, the book discusses how being Asian affects the way they interact with colleagues, managers, and clients, and will offer advice and real world solutions while exposing the challenges encountered.

For the Asian reader, the book will help them to see the cultural barriers they subconsciously place in their own career paths and how to overcome them. For the non-Asian reader, the book serves as a primer for promoting optimal working relationships with Asians, and will help start a dialogue that will benefit all.

Why do so many qualified Asian Americans hit a "bamboo ceiling" in their careers, and what can you do to break through?

• Understand Cultural Differences: Learn why traditional Asian values like humility and respect for authority can be misinterpreted in Western corporate culture and how to bridge the gap.
• Debunk the Model Minority Myth: Move beyond the harmful stereotype that Asians "are doing just fine" and address the real, often invisible, barriers to career mobility.
• Master Self-Promotion: Discover practical techniques for "tooting your own horn" in a way that feels authentic and overcomes the cultural tendency toward self-effacement.
• Build Your Network: Learn the art of networking and mentorship to gain visibility, find sponsors, and stay in the succession planning pipeline.
• A Guide for Managers: An essential primer for non-Asian leaders on how to support their Asian team members, foster an inclusive environment, and unlock their full potential.

Review Quotes

"A well-written, easy to read and thorough compendium for every Asian who wants to move up the ladder." - Susan RoAne, the nation's undisputed networking expert, keynote speaker and author of How To Create Your Own Luck and How To Work a Room

"[This] is the book Asian Americans in the workplace have needed for decades." - Paul Tokunaga, author of Invitation to Lead: Guidance for Emerging Asian American Leaders

Hyun's help is multiple... Enlightening--and very necessary. - Booklist

"Addresses an issue that most of corporate America and diversity experts have been silent about... [an] important work." - Professor David Thomas, Harvard Business School and Author of Breaking Through: The Making of Minority Executives in Corporate America

"Practical, personable and strategic, Jane Hyun is the workplace mentor every Asian American would like to have." - Eric Liu, Author of Guiding Lights and The Accidental Asian

"Read it, and find clarity about who you are and what you want to become." - Eric Liu, Author of Guiding Lights and The Accidental Asian

"Filling a void where generic career guides leave off, this is a crucial handbook for anyone in today's multicultural workplace." - Asian Fortune

"[Shows] where the gaps between the Asian American and business perspectives are, and how we can bridge these differences." - Jade magazine

"I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is committed to diversity and inclusion." - Dr. Johnnetta Cole, President, Bennett College for Women

"Read this book and find out how best to manage your career in today's multicultural workplace." - Kyung H. Yoon, Vice Chair, Heidrick and Struggles

"(Empowers) individuals to take charge of their careers and gives them the tools to navigate the corporate structure." - David Chu, Founder and former President and CEO, Nautica, Inc.

"(Gives) a set of maps to define, measure and envision professional lives... Hyun reveals truths that often remain unspoken." - Phoebe Eng, Creative Director, The Opportunity Agenda and author, Warrior Lessons: An Asian American Woman's Journey into Power

"Inspiring and engaging! Every Asian professional and student, (and) anyone who works with them, should read this book." - Jino Ahn, President and Founder, Asian Diversity, Inc.

"Finally! A book that addresses the truth and shatters so many myths and misconceptions about Asian Americans in the workplace." - Vincent Yee, National President, NAAAP (National Association of Asian American Professionals)

"This much-needed work ... will be hugely valuable to anyone who's interested in achieving cultural fluency in the workplace." - Patrice A. Hall, Managing Director and Head of Diversity, JPMorganChase

"Jane Hyun confronts the dilemma of how to be an Asian in America...a truly valuable and insightful resource." - J.D. Hokoyama, President and CEO, Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP)

"Powerful ... Hyun presents valuable strategic and tactical next steps that Asian professionals can implement to advance their careers." - Philip Berry, Vice President, Global Workplace Initiatives, Colgate-Palmolive

"A clear, straightforward guide to easing cultural barriers between Asian Americans and their non-Asian counterparts." - Luke Visconti, Partner/Cofounder, DiversityInc.

"Knowing yourself and the values that you hold are integral steps to developing leadership competencies... A must read ." - Jim Loehr, Principal, LGE Performance Systems, author of Power of Full Engagement, and creator of the Corporate Athlete Training System

"Provocative, thoughtful, and engaging ... offers insights and strategies for all persons of Asian descent striving for career advancement and success." - Diane Yu, Chief of Staff and Deputy to the President, New York University

"Not limited to the Asian market, this is a useful guide for anyone seeking advice on how to get ahead in business." - Kirkus Reviews

"A useful guide for anyone seeking advice on how to get ahead in business." - Kirkus Reviews

"An important book for anyone hoping the make that career move...and realize his full professional potential." - Korea Times

"Should be required reading for both Asian and non-Asian readers." - Dennis Ling, Senior Vice President, Global Finance and Treasurer, Avon Products, Inc.

"Jane shows how cultural values can adversely impact workplace behavior, and provides tips for overcoming those differences." - Kate Wendleton, President, The Five O'Clock Club, a national career coaching and outplacement organization, and author of Targeting a Great Career, among other books