Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Partnering Successfully With American Firms by Ali Shami and Steven Howard is a self-help guide aimed at educating readers on how to establish, develop, and maintain effective business partnerships with American companies. The book discusses the advantages of collaborating with American firms and highlights the diverse workforce made up of individuals from various generations and cultural backgrounds. The authors address the enthusiastic and empowered decision-making hierarchy that many American companies employ, which encourages full participation from all employees. They emphasize the importance of time management, delivery, and transparency in business interactions. Additionally, the book delves into the significance of understanding American business culture and the challenges that may arise when working with American businesses. The authors provide insights on how to cultivate strong work relationships with American counterparts and maintain those relationships effectively.

Partnering Successfully With American Firms is a one-of-a-kind guide that focuses on the nuanced aspects of creating successful partnerships with American businesses. American movies have given people a glimpse of the American work culture, but they do not cover the idiosyncrasies of interacting with Americans in person. The writing is engaging, featuring eye-opening anecdotes drawn from the authors' personal experiences. Key takeaways from the book include the prioritization of time, clarity, and accountability as essential components of success in American business culture. Ali Shami and Steven Howard offer practical advice, such as the importance of composing short, clear, and direct emails when communicating with Americans, while also suggesting that sensitive topics like politics and religion should be avoided. Their guidance is both genuine and compassionate, highlighting the importance of building trust, understanding cultural differences, and maintaining professionalism in business partnerships. Beyond American work culture, the authors also touch on the intricacies of Japanese, Indian, Arabic, and European business practices. They advocate for respect and mutual understanding as fundamental to fostering long-term collaboration and contributing to a more peaceful and interconnected global business environment. Overall, Partnering Successfully With American Firms is an excellent read and a valuable resource for anyone looking to build successful international partnerships.