Top Tips on The USA

Tip 1
Americans value straight talking and getting to the point above diplomacy.

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 any 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.

Tip 11
Many Americans never leave the States. Be prepared for a parochially American view of the world.

Tip 12
Enthusiasm is endemic in business. Join in. Do not exhibit a jaundiced, old world approach as this will be interpreted as defeatist.

Tip 13
New is good. Change is ever present in American corporate life and therefore so is the easy acceptance of new ideas, new models etc.

Tip 14
Gift giving is unusual in the States and many companies have policies to restrict or forbid the acceptance of presents.

Tip 15
Americans tend to work longer hours and take fewer days of vacation than their European counterparts.

Tip 16
Try to be punctual for meetings – if you are late apologise.

Tip 17
Despite the seeming lack of hierarchy within an American organisation, the boss is the boss and is expected to make decisions and is held accountable for those decisions.

Tip 18
Americans often socialise with work colleagues outside the office – and this often includes the family.

Tip 19
Titles are an unreliable guide to relative importance within an organisation due to their proliferation.

Tip 20
Business is a serious thing in the States and it is important that you are seen to be serious in your intent and commitment.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in The USA only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.