Your ambition is not the problem. Your translation is. 

Are you ambitious? Do you want to lead, grow, and make an impact? In many cultures, this is a clear advantage. But in the Netherlands, you might feel that your ambition is… a problem. 

In a culture that deeply values polderen (consensus) and work-life balance, overt, individualistic ambition can be misunderstood. 

• You state your goals clearly and are seen as “aggressive” or “not a team player.” 
• You work late to get ahead and are seen as “inefficient” or “poorly organized.” 
• You make a decisive call and are told you “didn’t get buy-in.” 

Your professional identity is clashing with the cultural code. This doesn’t mean you have to kill your ambition. It means you must learn to translate it. 

True loopbaancoaching for an expat isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about finding a way to be who you are, effectively, in a new context. 

• Translate “I want to lead” into “I want to take responsibility for building consensus and helping the team achieve its goals.” 
• Translate “I am a high-performer” into “I am passionate about delivering high-quality, efficient work so that the whole team can succeed.” 
• Translate “This is my goal” into “I have a vision for this project. How can we work together to make it a reality?” 

Your ambition is your engine. You just need a new steering wheel. 

Lead with intention, not just position. 

You’ve seen how to reframe your ambition. But this strategy requires a deep understanding of nuance and the confidence to communicate in a new way. 

• Are you worried you’ll “lose yourself” by adapting too much? 
• Do you struggle to find the words that are both authentic and effective? 
• Is it hard to be patient with the consensus process when you just want to get things done? 

This is the final piece of the puzzle. You are an ambitious, skilled professional. You just need a sparring partner to help you channel that drive. 

A Gort coach for expats is your cultural decoder. We help you find the balance between your authentic drive and the Dutch “rules of the game,” so you can be both ambitious and successful. 

Every great leader has a coach. And leading your own career in a new country is the biggest leadership challenge of all. Plan your free, no-obligation orientation call today.