Carolyn Feuille: "Ten Keys to Working Effectively with Europeans"

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By Carolyn Feuille, PresidentEsprit Global Learning

For the

International Career FairFebruary 20 & 21, 2009

San Francisco, California

2 ©Esprit Global Learning, 2008 Contact Carolyn Feuille: [email protected] Tel. +1 530.264.7008

What do you do now?

a. Talk to the VP/Director of Marketing. He’s not so cautious as your boss.

b. Give up and find a job where your contribution is appreciated.

c. Ask for help to understand how to be successful and gain influence. Request coaching or mentoring.


Key #1 - Learn the cultures of Europe.

Gain knowledge of country and regional history, geography, politics, economy, demographics.

Demonstrate curiosity to expand your knowledge.Discover what makes someone a Swede, a

Frenchman, an Austrian, a Spaniard, a Romanian or a ______________.

Cultural beliefs, values, attitudes which influence thinking, behavior,systems, customs and practices


Source: Google Maps


Key #2 - Recognize diversity. Significant differences between countries - a wealth

of cultures:23 official languagesLegal and taxation systemsProblem solving approachesTraditionsTopography and climateFood!

National pride - “we French”, “we Dutch,” we Poles”


Key #3 - Establish relationships.

Basis of communicationGroup oriented, especially Southern & Central Europe

Essential for doing business and for teamworkGet things done with and through others. Nurture key relationships.Show respect for those senior and older.


Key #4 - Follow formality & protocol.

Formality counts - respecting protocol reflects who you are and how you may be perceived. Names, titles and grammatical forms of “you” Range of formality across countries


Key #5 - Listen and observe.

Being effective = listening with curiosity, without judging, and for the unexpectedShow your interest in others’ perspectives.

Observe people, interactions, situations to learn how things are done. Try to interpret from the local cultural perspective to

increase understanding and communication.


Key #6 - Engage in informal debate.

Expression of opinions expectedWay for Europeans to get to know

youStay informed on local and international politics.


Key #7 - Participate in meetings.

Punctuality varies from North to South.

Decisions usually made by:consensus in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlandspersons with higher authority in France, Spain, Italy -

often after much discussion during meetingsimplicit consensus and compromise in Switzerland


Power distance & hierarchy: NO CH D POR AUS IRE SW FN UK NL IT SP GR B F

Key #8 - Adapt your style to increase your productivity.

Low/Egalitarian High/Hierarchical

NO: Norway CH: Switzerland D: Germany POR: Portugal AUS: Austria IRE: Ireland SW: Sweden FN: Finland UK: United Kingdom NL: Netherlands IT: Italy SP: Spain GR: Greece B: Belgium F: France

Source: Geert Hofstede, Culture’s Consequences


Key #9 - Balance corporate culture with local culture.Corporate culture of MN’s often reflect their headquarters,

not necessarily national/local culture of operations.

Applies to how meetings are run, to presentation style, to meeting deadlines, to leadership style, & what’s rewarded. Promotions sometimes based partly on effectiveness with conformity to corporate culture.


Key #10 - Make friends for life. “Coconut” vs. “peach” vs. “fuzzy coconut”

Long-term concept of friendship may explain taking a long time to develop closeness.Examples:

being invited to others’ homes encountering reluctance to make solid friendships with

those coming to Europe for temporary stay


““Tomorrow’s business challenges are less Tomorrow’s business challenges are less technical than they are cultural. Culture technical than they are cultural. Culture

must be managed just like any other must be managed just like any other business phenomenon.”business phenomenon.”

-Peter Drucker-Peter Drucker


Intercultural Competence:- Your passport to success in Europe


What can I do now?Cultivate your cultural intelligence for further success:Develop your personal global vision and use it to guide

your life and work.Hire a career or global leadership coach. Contact

me to join Esprit Global Learning’s Going Global Coaching Circle.

Find mentors in your profession and industry.

Read materials on Europe, international business, intercultural communication, and literature by European authors.


Recommended Readings: Black, S., Gregersen, H., Mendenhall, M., Stroh, L. (1999) Globalizing People

through International Assignments. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Rosen, R. et al. (2000) Global Literacies: Lessons on business leadership

and national cultures. New York, N.Y.: Simon & Schuster Rapaille, C. (2006) The Culture Code: An ingenious way to understand why

people around the world live and buy as they do. New York, N.Y.: Random House

Hill, Richard (1997) We Europeans. Brussels, Belgium: EuroPublications Oertig-Davidson, Margaret (2002) Beyond Chocolate: Understanding Swiss

Culture. Basel, Switzerland: Bergli Books Trompenaars, Fons (1993) Riding the Waves of Culture. London, England:

The Economist Books, Ltd. Mole, John (1995) Mind Your Manners. London, England: Nicholas Brealey

Publishing, Ltd.

What can I do now?


Websites For ExpatriatesAIESEC: international platform for young people for jobs & internships;

university chapters around the world: http://www.aiesec.org U.S. State Dept.: http://www.state.govFor women:http://www.aportableidentity.com/index.htmPractical info:http://www.expatexchange.comhttp://www.expatforum.com/Intercultural Press – books, tapeshttp://www.interculturalpress.com/shop/index.htmlTales from a Small Planet: http://www.talesmag.comLinkedIn – Expat Network

What can I do now?

Carolyn Feuille: "Ten Keys to Working Effectively with Europeans"

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Transcript of Carolyn Feuille: "Ten Keys to Working Effectively with Europeans"