Ten things you might want to know dealing with your American colleagues

1. Where is Rochester? You can substitute that with whatever location you are working with.

• It's often said that Americans were ignorant of world geography. But I am also finding out the reverse is also true. I have run across many well educated Asians, Europeans, Brazilians who have no idea where Minnesota is, for instance. I always tell them it's about 6 hours drive from Chicago. And they tend to feel comfortable with that reference point.  Chicago, even though they don't know exactly where that is either, at least is a familiar name.
• Point for the international colleague is that they should try to get a sense of where your American colleague is located. Look up where Rochester is.
  

2. Americans are very straight forward and direct

• Don’t just say hello when you instant message them, put your question right after Hello. Be respect but be direct.
  

• To Asians and some other cultures that tend to build up the conversation context before they get to the point, Americans being so quick to the business at hand may appear that they are "angry". Just remember we humans because of our own cultural filers see someone else through our own lens. Just remind yourself, Americans do want to get to the point
  

3. Americans do not take offense easily. This is related to the fact that they value directness and candor and are used to debating and arguing about differences. 

4. Ask questions.  You will find that Americans want you to ask questions if you don't understand something.  In Asian culture, people tend to work through questions themselves and not ask questions publicly. When you deal with American colleagues, go for it. Raise you hand, or say Excuse, I don't understand certain points.