Emily : Hey, do you have any tips for working with people from Brazil?
George : Yeah, I would say that when you’re working with anybody from a different culture, the key word is to be open-minded and respectful.
Paul : Yeah, and watch your language, be clear, take the time to make things simple. Some countries are more formal than others… Avoid making generalisations, though, at the end of the day you are talking to another person!
George : That’s true! You were talking about Brazilians, one thing I can say they have a relaxed view on time, you can expect them to be late on meetings.
Emily : Egyptians are a bit like that, at the same time, you shouldn’t keep them waiting. And most people don’t work on Thursdays and Fridays.
Paul : The people in New Zealand are the opposite! If you’re late for a meeting, they might think you’re unreliable, or even that you’re a bit ‘big for your boots’!
George : Brazilian needs to know and trust their business counterparts. If there is no connection or affinity the deal may be off.
Emily : Yes, I think quite a lot of cultures are like that, they want to have a personal relationship with their business partners, meet informally for dinner, for example, and talk about non-business topics…
Paul : The French aren’t so keen on socialising after work, they like to go straight home, whereas the Americans might go for a drink with colleagues after work.
Emily : I suppose you have to observe a little, follow people’s lead?
George :Yes, I guess it’s quite a good rule of thumb!