- Tip 1
- Americans value straight talking and 'getting to the point'.
- Tip 2
- Respect is earned through conspicuous achievement rather than through age or background.
- Tip 3
- Self-deprecation is often misunderstood by Americans as a sign of weakness. Sell your plus points.
- Tip 4
- Humour is frequently used in business situations but is unlikely to be appreciated when matters become very tense.
- Tip 5
- Remember that time is money in the States - wasting people's time through vagueness is lack of a sense of purpose which will not produce good results.
- Tip 6
- Compromise is often sought - at the brink. This can often equate to the end of a quarter or financial year.
- Tip 7
- Do not be offended by seemingly overly personal questions.
- Tip 8
- Dress code in the States is very variable - check on the appropriate mode before departure.
- Tip 9
- Short-termism is endemic. Structure proposals to emphasise quick wins rather than long-term objectives (although these should also be included.)
- Tip 10
- You may encounter an 'American is best' view to doing things - be prepared to counter this with quantitative and qualitative counter- arguments.
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