Meeting a Beer and Sausage!

Not long ago, I met a certain German delegate who was on a business tour, and I was given a team that had to brief him and his colleague about the current ongoings in the company, things that he was concerned about, Back then I held a position wherein I had make sure the meeting went on without any glitches. the first thing I Had to keep in mind was that that guy was a German, a race of people that is drop dead punctual, even if they aren’t the peculiar stereotypes back home, Germans do behave as living time pieces when they travel on business.
Secondly Germans hate to linger in long conversations. This time particularly, they both had a beer in their hand, and said only one word, “Los”. which means “fire away”.
One has to make sure that coming to the point is something the whole conversation should be all about.
Bullet points, pros, cons, a brief comparative analysis and practical solutions that can save time and increase productivity.
Thats all. It took only 3 minutes to give a briefing that was about a project that went on for like 6 months or more.
The bloke went home happy.
What did I learn?
So much more about the German brain!!
Germans are known for their emphasis on individualism, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance. Power distance and long-term orientation are both ranked considerably lower than the others. This illustrates Germany’s belief in equality and opportunity for each citizen, as well as its ability to change and adapt rapidly.

Let me put some rapid pointers here.

• The German thought process is extremely thorough, with each aspect of a project being examined in great detail.Any flaw that you think might go unnoticed, well, you’re in for a surprise. This process is obviously often very time-consuming. So the decision-making process in Germany is much slower than in the United States, and this can be troublesome to U.S. executives. Be prepared for the process to take much longer, as there is often a “hidden” group of advisors and decision makers that must approve of any transaction that is to occur. However, once the planning is over, a project will move very quickly and deadlines are expected to be honored.
• Germans do not like surprises. many a times the Indian mind comes up with great last moment “Eureka Ideas”, but Halt! Sudden eleventh hour changes in business transactions, even if they may improve the outcome, are unwelcome. we just spoke about how thorough they like to be.
• German citizens do not need or expect to be complimented. In Germany, it is usually assumed that everything is satisfactory unless the person hears otherwise. In other words If you don’t complain he’s done a great job!
• Punctuality is necessity in Germany. Arrive on time for every appointment, whether for business or social. Being late, even if it is only by a few minutes, is very insulting to a German executive.
• In business situations, Quick and firm shake of hands at both the beginning and the end of a meeting are a must. Additionally, a handshake may be accompanied with a slight bow or a nod. Reciprocating the nod is a good way to make a good impression, as failure to respond with this nod/bow (especially to a superior) may get you off to a bad start. Be sure to look directly into the person’s eyes while shaking hands and also while emphasizing on any point.
• When being introduced to a woman, wait to see if she extends her hand.
• Business is viewed as being very serious, and Germans do not appreciate humor in a business context. We usually fall of the track with examples and memoirs, but here they’re all a buzz-kill.
• In business meetings, age takes precedence over youth. If you are in a group setting, the eldest person enters first. (believe me, every time “That” happened!)
• Germans keep a larger personal space around them, approximately 6 inches more space than North Americans or the Chinese do.( we’ll talk about these blokes soon ) However, it is not unusual that when in line at a mall or a store cashier, Germans will crowd up very close to the person in front of them.
• People that have worked together for years still shake hands each morning as if it were the first time they met.
• German men frequently greet each other with Herr ‘last name’, even when they know each other very well. Its Just like saying Mr. Sharma or Mr. XYZ.
• Germans are able to consume large quantities of beer in one evening, but public drunkenness is not acceptable. It is best to know your limits, especially in Bavaria where two liters of beer is an ordinary evening. However here In India they chug comparatively more than an average Indian liver can tolerate hence its better to pipe down on the beer for at one point of time you will be droopy and the guy who’s listening to you won’t.
• Typically, you do not wait to be seated in German restaurants, and it is not uncommon to share a table with strangers.
• Lastly, DO NOT mention the war or Mister You- Know-Who (ever).

Interestingly, there are so many things that I have learned through the years and I could go on writing. But lets save it for another time!
So.. next time you do business with a German, You won’t return empty handed!

The Waterman