Newcomers who worked in managerial positions in their first countries are often struggling to work in the same role in Canada, even if they succeed in landing a job they wanted. They often find that the employees don’t listen to them, don’t follow their directions, don’t respect them and overall communication is difficult. This could happen for several reasons.

1. Difference between authoritative and authoritarian management styles.

There isn’t one style of management in Canada that all the managers use. If you come from a country with a singular management style, this may be confusing. To be a good manager in Canada, you need to learn about different styles and when to use them. While there are situations when authoritarian (also called directive) style could be needed, most employees in this country are used to authoritative style of management.

Authoritarian Style: the manager gives specific directions and keeps a close eye on employees to make sure they follow his/her instructions

Authoritative Style: the manager gives generic directions and trusts the employees to do the job, only stepping in with feedback from time to time

2. Difference between more hierarchical and more egalitarian cultures.

Employees in Canada are used to egalitarian type of interaction. Calling the manager by his/her first name, approaching them to make a complaint or to voice a concern, speaking up in meeting – all of these actions do not mean disrespect. This is how the workers in Canada demonstrate initiative and self-confidence – both highly valuable employee qualities in this country.

3. Difference between top-down and consensual approach to decision making.

It’s important to know that Canada, as well as United States, Australia and United Kingdom, has a top-down approach to decision making. Top-down means that, ultimately, the big decision will be made by the big boss, even though everyone can speak up in meetings prior to that. As a manager, your job will be to support the big boss after the decision has been made, even if you disagree with it. By the same token, the employees are expected to align with the management, once the decision has been made. However, everyone usually remains flexible – the decisions are rarely carved in stone and can be adjusted as the time goes by.

4. Difference between the role of a manager in your first country and Canada.

The role of a manager in Canada is to:

• motivate employees
• manage their expectations
• make them feel appreciated
• offer goal-oriented feedback
• assign tasks and delegate responsibilities
• listen to employees’ concerns

A good manager is not the one who is an expert and can instruct the employees. A good manager in Canada is an expert in relationship building who keeps employees happy and the projects progressing in the right direction within the deadlines.

Read next:

Talking to your Manager and Co-workers

Speaking to Customers and Clients

How to Get a Promotion

Showing Respect at Work

Giving Gifts at Work