Differences of Opinion

In the U.S., it is common practice at many companies to have spirited arguments in hallways and boardrooms. People that disagree with one another may use strong language or even raise their voices. In teams of people that have been working together for a long time, this is often seen as a healthy airing of opinions and no one takes the disagreement personally.

In Europe, however, differences of opinion are handled more decorously. If you disagree with someone, it is typically more effective to start with the points you agree on and work toward the differences.

“I agree that this advertising strategy will be expensive, and I understand your concerns that this year’s budget numbers will not support extravagance. However, I think that my idea may not cost as much as it might first appear.”

Handling differences of opinion in a more diplomatic fashion will be much more effective in Europe. And probably in the U.S., as well.

Meetings

Meetings in the U.S. are often brief, to the point, and may seem abrupt to people new to the company. There is often a focus on a particular problem or agenda item that people dive right into and attack from all sides. One company I worked for had fifteen minute meetings every morning to give status on the previous day’s results and the coming day’s planned activities. At exactly 8:30 someone would yell “Time!” and the meeting would adjourn- anything unsettled from the meeting was postponed to the following day’s meeting or assigned to someone to resolve immediately. It was a remarkably efficient use of time and everyone got immediately about their business without taking up too much of their day. It was also abrupt to the point where newcomers to the company considered it rude and even offensive, especially if they had something they felt warranted further discussion. Efficient companies often schedule meetings before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 so as not to interfere with “work time.”

People in meetings in the U.S. often “multi-task”- answering cell phone calls and pages;or responding to e-mail on their digital devices or taking notes.

Meetings in Europe are generally more relaxed. Introductions are never neglected, and meetings often start with a joke or a “brain teaser” puzzle or activity to get everyone involved and thinking together. Meetings are seldom scheduled before 10:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m., in deference to people’s family or social activities.

Often, a significant amount of meeting time is used in setting up ground rules, determining the purpose and expected outcome of the meeting, and so forth, especially when there are people from several cultures involved.

People participating in meetings in Europe are expected to be involved in the conversation, not buried in their digital device or steno pad. They demonstrate interest and attentiveness to the person speaking with their body language and by asking relevant questions.

Dining

Dining in the United States is often a rushed activity. Meeting someone over breakfast or lunch is often informal and hurried. People eat and talk efficiently, and are done in an hour or less. Restaurants in the U.S. cater to this, and serve food quickly and do business by getting people in and out as efficiently as possible to make room for more customers. When entertaining a client, either you or the client may suggest the restaurant, people make selections from the menu for themselves (seldom asking advice, or giving it.)

In Europe, dining is a more relaxed event. When dining with Europeans in Europe, it’s best to take your host’s advice in the selection of food and wine at a restaurant they know well. (Food allergies or serious dislikes aside, of course!) One does not talk about business immediately. Let your host set the tone and the pace of the meal. Several courses and a significant amount of time may pass before business topics are brought up. Relax and enjoy, and of course, compliment the parts of the experience you enjoy. The rule of thumb is “do not discuss business before the wine and cheese.”