WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment in the US may seem very formal sometimes, and other times may appear to be very informal. Superiors are not addressed as 'sir' or 'ma'am' but are called by their first names and very often, there is a lot of joking or kidding around at the office. But the Americans don't like to be asked personal questions About U.S.A their private lives. Even though they may joke around, they don't slack on their work, and always keep deadlines.

These are some of the main differences between the Indian and the American work environment:

• There are no ‘peons’ or office boys in the American workplace, and everybody gets their own lunch and tea/coffee from coffee machines in their own mugs, which are washed by them.
• Lunchtime is usually a short and casual time when ‘brown-bagged’ (brought from home) or ‘carry out’ sandwiches are eaten sitting at one’s desk or with colleagues.
• Those eating out, rarely take off for more than half-an-hour. The official lunch time depends from place to place and is normally one hour from 12 noon to 1 pm and some companies have their own Cafeterias.
• It is considered rude to talk loudly at work, or to speak with other colleagues in foreign languages even if they are from your country.

CONCEPT OF TIME

Time is a very crucial and respected commodity in the US. Try always to be punctual. Note the following:

• The format for writing the date is mm-dd-yy, for example, December 16, 1999, is written 12/16/99. So be sure of the date when you agree to a deadline or deliverable date.
• Deadlines are honored and stuck to, and the same is expected of you.
• Normally, people tend to arrive exactly on time or even a few minutes before the appointed time. In case of any unforeseen delay, make it a point to call the people concerned and tell them.
• Some people may tell you to come over any time. But you must call ahead, and ask them.
• You should meet clients or people in business only by prior appointment.
• Make sure you are punctual regarding meetings and discussions.

MEETINGS

Meetings are one of the most important and time-consuming of management activities. Sometimes, meetings can be held over coffee or snacks. Most meetings start in an informal manner, and after the initial joke or camaraderie, people will get right to the point.

• Meetings are important and have a time limit. You must be able to understand others and get your view across in the allotted time.
• Though the meetings may be informal at the onset, you are expected to have professionalism, competence and depth of knowledge.
• Be on time for the meeting and be prepared for it.
• Listen attentively and take notes during discussions, but don't interrupt a person who is speaking. It is important to show respect for the other person’s point of view and
• Be clear on the points you wish to make before you speak and respond to points made before making your own observations. Question but do not accuse and discuss but do not argue.
• Avoid nervous and distracting gestures. When you are meeting two or three people it is appropriate to mention that you would like to take notes on the points discussed.
• As a part of the meeting, you should contribute ideas. Don't hesitate to suggest an idea even if you feel it may not be received well.
• Make sure that you have understood everything that was said at the meeting and that you're impressions were correct. Summarize the decisions taken and the action plan.
• Those who propose new ideas and actions must be prepared to implement them.

PRESENTATIONS

While working at a company, you will be asked to present the main points of your assignment to your superior, and at the end of your assignment, you will have to present your results, or the finished product. It is important how you make your presentation, because you will make an impression on your company that will stick.

• Presentations need to be tightly linked to a key objective.
• The time spent on preparation decides the effectiveness of your presentation.
• Your points must be related to the goal you are seeking.
• It should be structured in a coherent and logical fashion. Run through your presentation with a colleague, clearing your doubts on tricky words, which will help you fine-tune it, removing obvious mistakes.
• Choose your words and ideas to reflect your goal clearly and effectively. Do not use jargon, slang, or showy words.
• Choose your words and manner according to your situation and the person to whom you are making the presentation.
• During your presentation, if your audience corrects you, thank them, and remember the correction.
• You will be asked many questions, so make sure that your facts are up to date and comprehensive. When responding to a question or an observation, respond first to the concerns of the person before making your point.

You must look at not just the content but also the process of presentation:

• Speak clearly.
• Don't be too loud or too soft.
• Be aware of your nonverbals or body language, and also be aware of the body language of your audience. Their body language will tell you a lot About U.S.A how they are reacting to you.
• You have a certain amount of time in which to finish and you should use this time profitably. Don't go on and on.

The principal expectations of an American audience are:

• humor
• progressiveness
• gimmicks/slogans
• hard sell

Count on the attention span being About U.S.A 30 minutes. The American like to entertained by a presentation with an introduction that immediately gets their attention and they are likely to interrupt the presentation with questions.

REPORTS

Reporting is an important managerial process and it is a vital channel of information. Effective practice of your business writing skills is important for sending out good reports.

• Make sure you report is clear and concise. Make sure you use the right syntax, and active verbs are preferred. Whenever possible, keep your sentences short.
• Use simple words and precise sentences, and have as little paper work as possible. Your report must be focussed and to the point.
• Highlight your important points and use graphics or live examples to illustrate a point.
• Be aware of whom you are reporting to and what he/she would need to know.

THE ASSIGNMENT

You must make sure to be fully aware and up-to-date on your job assignment, as you will be expected to be resourceful and productive. It can be difficult with jetlag, fatigue and adapting to the new place, but a little effort will go a long way. Be sure not to be overconfident either, that can be of more harm than help.

DRESS CODES

Clothing is an important part of first impressions and how we react to someone is largely based on our initial response to the person’s appearance and first impressions count. Note the following:

• In offices, you are mostly required to dress formally four days of the working week. Friday is considered a ‘dress down’ day where you can wear decent casuals.
• Where formal wear is required by a company, well-fitting, sober, and subdued two-piece suits or trouser and jacket, worn with a white or light-colored shirt and a dark sober tie is the norm. Women wear dark colored skirt suits with light-colored shirts.
• Casual clothing (like jeans and T-shirts) is acceptable in some companies, but make sure before you turn up for work dressed like that.

Most companies follow a formal dress code, though some software companies in the United States deliberately have an informal dress code. The first few days at work will give you an idea of how to dress for work, and you can ask your colleagues as well.

SOCIAL PRACTICES

You will need to interact with colleagues in a social environment at one time or another, either at parties or business dinners in restaurants. This section contains tips on how to handle these occasions.

PARTIES

Getting invited to a party is a good thing, and shows that you are liked. If you’re married, this is a good opportunity for spouses to get to know one another. Parties are fun, but they can also be intimidating experiences. Common types of parties in the US are cocktail parties, dinner parties and informal parties. These are things to be aware of when going to a party:

• When invited to a party, or on a social visit, it is customary to take a small gift or a bottle of wine for the host or you can present them with something from India.
• When you're invited, confirm your acceptance, and get there on time. Don't be the last one to leave.
• If you want to take a friend with you, ask your host in advance.
• If you smoke, it is a good idea to ask first.

At a cocktail party, be aware of the following:

• Cocktails are precursors to dinner and such parties are usually held around 7pm. This might be a time when you are tired and hungry and so may not be the best time to drink. It might be a good idea to drink a glass of cold milk before you go, and if you want to be careful, just drink club soda.
• Try and meet a lot of people at the cocktail party by talking to them, finding common social and professional interests. For acceptable topics for conversation.
• Hold your glass in your left hand while drinking so you can use your right hand to shake hands.

The common informal parties are called "BYOB" parties or Bring Your Own Bottle partied. This means that you have to take your own drinks, but there will be food and music. For these kinds of parties, it's ok for you to get there About U.S.A 20 to 40 minutes late.

DINING OUT

Dining customs as well as kinds of foods differ between countries. In India we are used to eating food without much use of cutlery, unlike in the West. At a formal or semi-formal dinner, remember the following:

• Place your napkin on your lap when seated at the dining table. If you need to leave the table at any point, place your napkin on the table to your left.
• Keep your free hand in your lap or rest your wrist of the edge of the table.
• Do not gesture with your knife, fork or spoon in your hand. If you are not using any cutlery, put it down.
• About U.S.A cutlery, always start from the outside and work your way course by course towards the center. [For example, for a normal business lunch/dinner the first course is usually soup or salad. You will find that to your right from the outside, the first spoon is the soupspoon. Similarly the second course would be the main dish while the third course would be dessert and/or coffee. Of course, the other simple rule to remember is that whenever in doubt do as your neighbors do!]

There may not be many opportunities for formal dinners, but it would be a good idea to be prepared for such occasions. You confidence at the dinner table reflect your personality and sociability. Dinners are great occasions to get to know people because it is a relaxed atmosphere. Use these opportunities to get to know people better.

Note: When you go to a restaurant with friends or colleagues, remember that you're expected to split the bill.

DRINKS

At a social event, such as a party or a dinner, drinks are usually served. Cocktails are served before dinner, wine is usually served with dinner, and finally liqueurs or coffee are served after dinner. Be aware of how much you drink in the course of the evening, as it is quite easy to unwittingly overdo it.

At other times, remember this:

• To buy or drink alcohol in the US a person should be at least 18 years of age (this could vary between 18 years and 21 years for different states), so always carry some form of identification (ID) when going to a liquor store or a bar.
• Even if you do not drink, remember that many establishments that serve liquor (bars and discotheques, for example) can refuse entry to those without a proof of age ID.
• Some states, or counties within states, are completely dry at all times. Others may prohibit the sale of liquor on Sundays.
• 
  Note: In practically all parts of the country, it is illegal to drink in public places such as parks, beaches, and roads.
• Never carry an open bottle of liquor in, or drink in a vehicle. The laws against drinking while driving, as well as driving when drunk are very strictly enforced and if you are caught, it is treated as a criminal offense.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited by law in most public places in the US. If you need to smoke, remember the following:

• Find out your company's policy on smoking. Observe other smokers, or ask where you are allowed to smoke. Most people step outside to smoke.
• Never smoke in an area designated as “No Smoking”. Rules are very strict. Restaurants and many public places usually have smoking zones.
• You should ensure you have an ashtray with you and that you never litter the floor with empty wrappers and used matches or cigarette stubs.
• 
  If you are being entertained by a colleague or you are visiting him, never light up without asking first.

HYGIENE

Hygiene is an important but personal issue, and it is assumed that you are able to look after that. Some tips to keep in mind:

• Use deodorants even if you bathe daily.
• Avoid hair oil. If essential use non-oily creams.
• Avoid use of oil on the body, even in cold weather.
• Use mouth-fresheners (mints) after meals (especially after Indian food). If this is not done it becomes very noticeable at after-lunch meetings and is extremely unpleasant.