Americans expect information to flow in multiple directions, not merely from authority to subordinate or from expert to novice. Those who receive information are also expected to share information relevant from their position. The employee should inform the manager as well as vice versa; the team member should share with colleagues as well as receive from them. Systems where information only flows downward feel authoritarian to Americans.
Effective organizations enable information to flow up, down, and sideways. When working with Americans, expect that they will want to provide information to you, not just receive from you. Create channels for information flow in all directions. Leaders who only talk and never listen seem out of touch; relationships where only one party shares seem extractive. Reciprocal information exchange is the expected norm.
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