- Tip 11
- Meetings tend to be formal, even stiff from some viewpoints. Agendas are produced and followed methodically.
- Tip 12
- Punctuality is of critical importance. Do not be late for meetings, it reflects poorly on your professionalism.
- Tip 13
- In meetings, speak about those areas which are pertinent to your functional expertise - don't wander into areas which are 'grey' to you.
- Tip 14
- People are expected to be well prepared for meetings. Do not turn up and hope to be able to 'get by'. Lack of pre-planning can reflect badly on you.
- Tip 15
- Direct communication is expected and respected. Plain speaking is essential if the correct answer is to be found.
- Tip 16
- Direct communication should not be confused with rudeness or aggression. Confrontation and direct debate are different beasts.
- Tip 17
- Teams consist of a group of individuals who expect to be allocated tasks and then left alone to get on with them.
- Tip 18
- The Swiss tend to be multi-lingual and are often at ease in meetings in three or four languages.
- Tip 19
- Business and private are not interchangeable. Meetings rarely begin with personal small talk and it can take time to create a close relationship with key Swiss contacts.
- Tip 20
- Food is important, so it is not always a good idea to talk business at mealtimes - be guided by your hosts on this.
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