Following up on our tongue-in-cheek tips for working
with the British in the last CXO News, here are some equally
entertaining guidelines for working in the U.S.A. from Allyson
Stewart-Allen, an American living in Britian and a member of
the Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors of The
International Business Awards.
Don’t be fussy about deadlines and keeping
appointments. Americans like free spirits who are not
in thrall to the clock. If you are late for a meeting with
Americans do not apologize, but describe the roses you stopped
to smell on the way.
Americans hate false optimism. When things
start to go wrong, always assume the worst. When an
American suggests any risky procedure, whether it is investing
billions in a new product or jumping into a swimming pool, he
or she will expect you to point out all of the
possible bad outcomes before you proceed.
When managing American staff, remember that they
like precise instructions and procedures. They react
very badly to being asked to do anything new. They will be
very uncomfortable if you ask their views or feelings on
anything at work: they expect you, the manager, to
tell them what to do.
On meeting Americans for the first time, make a point of
finding out their title or status, and use it to address them
or refer to them in conversation, as in “Vice-President of
Marketing Jones” or “Associate Professor of Sports Science
Robinson.” Don’t rush into first names.
Americans hate memos and business letters.
They far prefer to develop exchanges in face-to-face
conversation, where they can pick up subtext, irony, and
non-verbal clues. If you must send a memo or letter, do not be
dry and factual but share with your American counterpart any
historic, literary, or cultural thoughts that flow from the
subject, however improbable.
Although American businesses spend a great deal on lawyers,
accountants, and consultants of every kind, their advice is
rarely taken seriously. If an American takes a highly
priced lawyer or accountant into a meeting, make a point of
teasing this individual and making jokes about him or
her. Make it clear that you have not read any
paper that he or she has prepared. This will show the American
that you are a “regular guy (or gal),” not a geek.
| 
What New Year’s Resolution have
you made for 2008?
by Robert Macfarlane, and 
by Po Bronson. 
with the wonderful (and Oscar-nominated)
Viggo Mortensen, and yes, I would recommend it!
