I am a Rabbit or How to use the Silverware

by Markus Brinsa

 

Are you aware of the many cultural differences you have to be able to handle if you do global business? It is common sense that as an American or European business entering the Asian markets, preparation for cultural differences is mandatory.

What about American companies expanding to Europe or European to North America? Would you give the same thought and preparation to your first business trip to Europe or the United States as you would for Asia?
Can you imagine that understanding differences in business mentality and culture between Europe and America can significantly impact your business success?

Before going to Japan and Korea for business for the first time, I attended a seminar. I learned how to bow to my business partner and present my business card correctly. I also learned the differences between Japanese and Korean chopsticks and how to use them professionally. Undoubtedly, being prepared for cultural and business differences is mandatory.

As an American going to Europe for business for the first time or a European going to the U.S., would you expect to see differences in culture and business mentality the same as in Asia? The good thing is that you don't have to worry about chopsticks. Both use silverware or cutlery. But please don't get too comfortable with it. The use of silverware differs in the United States compared to Europe.

Let me give you an example. If you have a steak in America, you typically hold the knife in your dominant hand to cut off a few pieces, put down the blade, and switch the fork to your dominant hand to put the piece in your mouth.
You would never put your knife down in Europe. You keep it in your dominant hand, cut the beef, and push side dishes on the fork. The opposite hand is then used to fork the meat and eat with.

Little difference in using silverware, but a significant impact on the mark you might leave.
While the European way of using cutlery might be misunderstood as being in a rush or even rude in America, the American way irritates Europeans.
Using the fork and knife simultaneously during an entire course is a 101 of cultivated manners in Europe.

What about learning a couple of words in a foreign language?
From my perspective, it is polite and shows respect for the other country to use some words in the local language. Don't worry if you say something wrong. Everyone will appreciate the efforts.

Before traveling to Korea, I got myself an app to learn some Korean phrases and to be able to introduce myself in Korean. It was the kind of app where you pick a term, push a button, listen to the phrase, and then repeat it until it sounds good.
I felt very comfortable with what I had learned, and for the next five days, I used Korean words to introduce myself at every meeting. I was able to say my name and my job title. My counterparts seemed to appreciate it.

On the last night of my trip, I had a drink at a bar in Seoul. And I used the app to order a drink. Two Korean women sitting next to me seemed to have fun watching me using the app. Both spoke English, and they asked me about the app. I was so proud to talk about it. I handed them my phone, and they started pushing the buttons. The more buttons they tried, the more they giggled. One asked me if I had used the phrases. I said yes and that I used it to introduce myself during the entire trip.
They asked me what did you say. I cannot remember the exact words in Korean anymore, but it was "Hello, I am Markus, and I am the CEO".

The moment I said it, they started laughing hysterically.
"Did you really say that?" they asked me.
Did you really introduce yourself with the words "Hello, my name is Markus. I am a rabbit."?

I must admit; it didn't feel good to learn that I made a fool out of myself at the beginning of every meeting. On the other hand, the business partners appreciated the effort, and they were too polite to say something.
Regarding business opportunities, the trip was a huge success. It was with being prepared for the differences in business culture and mentality.

Talk to us if you plan to make your business an international success. We are here to help. Every member of the team comes from a different cultural background; they worked and lived in at least two countries besides their home country.

We believe in diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace as an integral part of serving our clients and developing our people. Only the highest-performing teams, which maximize the power of different opinions, perspectives, and cultural references, will succeed in the global marketplace. Diversity is what drives better insights, better decisions, and better products. It's the backbone of innovation.

 

 

 

2022-03-11 MB