Extreme Formality

Professionals in Germany are extremely formal. If a meeting is set to start at a certain time, it will start at that time, no matter how many attendees are there or not. The truth is that most attendees will probably be there, ready to go, because they are just as formal. Germans stick to the agendas created for their meetings. They expect that those they do business with will be just as formal as they are. In a corporate setting, they use formal and professional names and titles, rather than being on a first name basis with one another.

Contrast this with the United States. Many times, you hear a presenter say, “Let’s just wait another minute to see if we can get a few more people to show up,” before starting a meeting. Depending on the company and the individuals who run it, agendas are often a guide that does not have to be precisely followed. People in the workplace speak to each other as friends, using first names, nicknames, and talking about each other’s personal lives.

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If a meeting is set to start at a certain time, it will start at that time, no matter how many attendees are there or not.

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Serious Professionalism

Seeming like you’ve got it all together simply isn’t good enough in German corporate culture. You really have to have it all together to make it work. Professionalism is taken very seriously when it comes to business in Germany. Titles, diplomas, references, and certificates are mandatory, and people with those things demand more respect than those who are “less” than them. Those professionals must present actual logic when showing a business plan, rather than just presenting an awesome proposal.

In contrast, there are many professionals who “work their way up” in their line of business in the United States. They may not have a degree, and may not have the proper credentials for their job. However, with experience, dedication, and hard work, they could gain titles that demand more respect. Do they always get that respect? It depends on which industry they are in and what type of culture is distinct to that industry.

Professionals must present actual logic when showing a business plan, rather than just presenting an awesome proposal.

Precise Work Ethic

In German corporate culture, you will not find something that is second best. In fact, the label, “Made in Germany” is synonymous with the very best in quality. Individuals will pay more for products or services if they come from Germany and have that label. Though the label was actually not an original idea from Germany, companies in the country have adopted it and use it to promote their products.

With such high quality products comes a little bit more time that other companies and individuals will have to wait for the end product. Germans tend to be more thorough and detail-oriented than others. They avoid risks and strive for the very best results with every project they complete. What’s more impressive is that although they do this, they always meet their deadlines. If your company is expecting a product from Germany, you can count on it being there on time.

Unfortunately, there are those in the United States who are not quite as punctual. Procrastination seems to make its way in, making companies scramble to get things done in a short amount of time. In some situations where deadlines are met, the end product has to be redone. In other cases where the end product turns out great, it might be a little late. The good news is that many companies are understanding and would rather have a good product a little later, rather than a poor product on time.

In fact, the label, “Made in Germany” is synonymous with the very best in quality. Individuals will pay more for products or services if they come from Germany and have that label.

Direct Communication

In dealing with German professionals, don’t expect to be on the receiving end of a polite conversation. While they don’t intend to be rude, they do intend to be blunt and direct. They won’t be particularly subtle and they aren’t afraid to provide honest and constructive criticism. Additionally, this direct communication is how they show the importance of their position in the workplace.

Americans may not be quite as rude. Of course there will always be those who simply don’t care, but as a general society, feelings are cared about. In presenting new ideas, Americans try to make sure that others understand them, but that they are not offended by any part of the presentation. Some may try to be assertive with their position and title at work, but many try to be down to earth and blend in with their “lesser” coworkers.

While they don’t intend to be rude, they do intend to be blunt and direct.

Complete Loyalty

Germans are loyal. Period. They expect that their dealings will be fair, and they are always fair in their dealings. If a German tells you that he will think about an offer, a concept, or a business deal, that is exactly what he means. He truly just wants to think about it and make an honest decision. Germans also don’t like to be pressured into making decisions. Just as they are loyal and will not pressure another company, they expect the same loyalty and fairness. When a negotiation reaches a deadlock, they will do what it takes to make a fair settlement.

Too often, those in the corporate world in the United States do not take this same approach. Some individuals are simply trying to climb the corporate ladder and will do what it takes to get to the top. If this means breaking loyalties and doing something that is not very fair, they are likely to do it.

If a German tells you that he will think about an offer, a concept, or a business deal, that is exactly what he means. He truly just wants to think about it and make an honest decision.

Which Way Is the Right Way?

With so much to compare and contrast, some may wonder, “Which way is the right way?” The truth is that there are good points to be made for both the German and American corporate cultures. Americans are a little more laid back, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t working for them. What’s certain, however, is that the world can learn a lot from German corporate culture. They didn’t earn so much respect from around the world with the “Made in Germany” label by running things inappropriately.

With conviction, honesty, hard work, and dedication to the end product, German corporate culture is something that companies all throughout the world should model their companies after, but only if it works for them. Taking a deeper look at the contrast between American and German business models can help you decide which type of culture will work for your company, and what the outcome will be.