Matt Adolphe has written two books: Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules and Would You Hire You? Matt is also an experienced course facilitator and has delivered countless talks, seminars, and professional courses on diversity, equity, inclusion, career development, leadership strategies, communication skills, and Indigenous history and culture.
Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules
“What nobody will ever tell you about succeeding in Canada!”
Matt Adolphe, an internationally-experienced communication expert, explains why certain behaviours don’t work in Canada’s workplaces. He reveals ten easy rules for fitting in, becoming accepted and prospering. Whether you are starting a new job, immigrating to Canada or just want to be more successful, this book is for you.
Would You Hire You?
This book includes 10 tips that will help you successfully navigate the changing world of work and excel in your job. Follow these tips to become an essential employee and discover that job security and leadership positions are naturally within your reach. Not only will you excel in your career, but you will also make your workplace better for those around you. Why not be the most you can be? Read on and start today!
Some key points from the book:
- Understand Canadians
Canadians are often perceived as being polite and friendly, but what leads to this impression? The very foundation of Canadian culture is empathy and concern — putting the feelings of others first. Canadians are very mindful of their communication; they make certain their messages are not negative or hurtful.
- Communication style
In order to avoid hurt feelings and possible conflict, Canadians tend to be indirect. When it comes to disagreement or negative emotions, Canadians rarely speak their minds. The lack of directness may be hard to understand for some; the truth is, Canadians communicate a lot with non-verbal cues.
- Everyday Small Talk
One of the most distinct Canadian cultural characteristics is the everyday small talk. Canadians avoid topics that would lead to a debate, small talk such as the weather is thus a very common Canadian conversation.
- Understand Canadian Culture
Due to the conflict-averse nature of Canadian culture, one may easily be perceived as arrogant if not conforming to the accepted norms of the Canadian indirectness. Canadians tend to regard directness as being rude and individualism as being arrogant.
- Fit in and stand apart
Having said that, Canadians do not oppose individualism. However, in order to be successful in a Canadian workplace, one must first “fit in” to be accepted as a team player. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Canadian Workplace Culture Mastering the Unspoken Rules provides tips and guidelines of how to make a good first and lasting impression in the Canadian workplace.
Book Reviews
Finally! A book that gives you sound, practical advice on how to be successful on the job and in your career. This is a must read for job seekers, recent college graduates, and those looking to switch careers. It all starts with Would you hire you?
I believe this is a great book!
After working at senior management levels for over 40 years in a wide range of industry sectors, I believe this is a great book! It offers clear direction on how you can achieve job security and career progression—all of which is in your control—by thinking like a leader and by inspiring confidence in those around you.
Matt’s book is a mini course on how to make THE major difference in your career: follow the steps and you’ll get ahead personally and professionally – guaranteed!
filled with life changing knowledge
The ultimate guide to building a successful career! A masterful work filled with life changing knowledge everyone can apply to make a positive impact on the lives of others. With Matt’s tips, we can all make the world more benevolent and inclusive.
Like me!
Very enlightening “guide” for foreigners, like me!
Highly recommended!
I met Matt during one of this talks in the Calgary Public Library. It was all that convinced me to buy his books. Ever since then, I’ve recommended his book to other immigrants as well as NGOs.
I would highly recommend it to newcomers to Canada and perhaps more importantly
I believe this is an insightful book on the hidden rules of working in the Canadian workplace. I would highly recommend it to newcomers to Canada and perhaps more importantly, to native Canadians who are interested in raising their self-awareness on why we behave the way we do. Matt is a great presenter as well.
Fantastic and really explanatory book
It is a book that everybody interested in learn about Canadian Culture must read! Fantastic and really explanatory book.