How did you deal with the 'model minority' phenomenon being Asian? In an academically rigorous area such as law, being an Asian woman, I always found that it was expected of me to excel by my peers and educators, and anything below outstanding was failure.
- Shanne-Pearl
I am so sorry that has happened to you! How frustrating. Being perceived as a "model minority" in the workplace can indeed be frustrating, because it orients you towards a fear of failure rather than continual learning and improving (which is the more realistic--and healthier--approach). With the caveat that I'm not sure I have completely figured this question out, either, I'll tell you my approach for at least lessening some of the burden and pressure on myself over the long run.
When working with a new supervisor, I would always aim for "outstanding" for the first six months. Of course, it's impossible to hit it all the time, but the point is more so to be on higher alert than normal and ask questions when there are mistakes so that it is obvious that you are engaged in learning and improving. Basically, I put more effort in the first six months with someone new in order to create a halo effect.
After the halo has been established, I let myself work at a more normal level of alertness. It is simply impossible to be on high alert for years on end--it will cause needless anxiety, stress, and likely sleep issues. But if you've established the halo in the first six months, they will subconsciously view your work more favorably and give you the benefit of the doubt. Still ask questions and make it clear you're engaged and want to learn, but don't stress yourself out about being "outstanding" all day, every day from then on. Do what you can, and rely on the trust built up between you and your supervisor(s) to carry you through. At some point, if they hired you, work with you--they have to trust you, just as you have to trust yourself. Give them a reason to trust you, and then let them trust you, even if you do make mistakes every once in a while (which is normal!).
With all that said, if you encounter someone with no allowance for error, no room for mistakes, don't take it to heart--they likely have unrealistic expectations of both others and themselves. I'll find trusted colleagues to vent to but then just move on. You can't change someone else's unrealistic expectations, whether it's rooted in the "model minority" myth or something else altogether--you can only try your best. Be gentle with yourself, even if others are not gentle with you.
Have a question for Cece? Submit it here.