Breaking Bamboo
Career Writings
Breaking Bamboo is Dave’s archive of career essays on the unwritten rules of work, AAPI leadership, office politics, compensation, influence, and power.
Breaking Bamboo: Get Hired For That Dream Job
1. I send out lots of emails to prospective employers, but rarely get a response. What am I doing wrong? What are tips to getting
Breaking Bamboo: Key Dos and Don’ts for Job Applicants
1. Often job listings advise applicants against calling with the stern warning: No phone calls please. How seriously should I take that? Should I call
Breaking Bamboo: Be the One and Only Job Applicant
How can I as a job applicant separate myself from the competition? The first step is to recognize that if it’s a job worth getting,
Breaking Bamboo: Women Leaders and Negotiating Raises
What can we do to elevate more women into leadership positions? Men are in an advantaged position versus women in the workplace by virtue of
Breaking Bamboo: Overcoming the Model Minority Myth
The model minority stereotype does not depict Asian Americans as leaders. We’re considered hard working and obedient. Those are hardly leadership qualities. What can we
Breaking Bamboo: Being Asian American and Fitting In
I have a collegial style of leadership which perhaps comes from my Asian American upbringing. I noticed most non-Asian managers spend less time consensus building
Breaking Bamboo: Digging Yourself Out of the Doghouse
My boss just raked me over the coals for a project I just turned in, but gave me very little feedback on how to fix
Breaking Bamboo: From Office Romances to Job Search Tips
What advice would you have about dating a co-worker given the increased attention about sexual harassment? I am not a manager and the person I’m
Breaking Bamboo: Secrets to Overcommunicating
What is the right balance between collaboration and working independently? My boss is extremely busy. When is it a good time to consult versus working
Breaking Bamboo: How to Get that Next Promotion
Just joined an exciting new company in a mid-level position. What is the best way to position myself for a promotion? Obviously, there are many