Globalization of Leaders

When in Germany, how do I be German?

I am the CEO of a large Pune-based organization, which was recently acquired by a German company. Soon, I will be moving to Germany. Any tips how to become a German in a jiffy?

Why do you want to become a German? Stay Indian! I think you are being moved because of your expertise and experience. Your nationality is incidental to your professional standing. I suspect you must have already started your crash course in German language, and I suggest you continue that. That will definitely help. However, my experience tells me that when it comes to communication, the Germans speak a different language altogether.

You mean they don’t talk German at work?

It is not about German or English (by the way, you will find most of your German colleagues fluent in English). It is in the style of communication. Moving from the “polite” communication style preferred in India, you will find the Germans blunt. Initially you might even find it rude. The fact is when  German uses precise and correct language with you, he or she trying to respect you. Interestingly, just as in India, the style can change within the country. Someone from Bavaria, for example, would find the Indian style to be as effusive and expansive as they prefer.

Should I then ignore the rude tone and listen to the true meaning?

That would really help you. A high-ranking German recruiter (not from Bavaria!), on a visit to India, invited an Indian professional for a meeting. The first question put to the latter was “What is  your intention?” Considering that the Indian professional was a specialist in a niche area and the German had initiated the meeting, the Indian probably expected the opening question to be “How can you help us?” or something like that. From the German’s point of view, that was precisely what she asked (“How do you intend to help us?”) Just that it came out in a very German fashion. Unfortunately, my Indian friend found it offensive and the meeting rapidly went downhill.

Do they think they are superior to Indians?

I used to have the same wrong notion until I got to know them better. Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your permission. All the more so in a global setting, where you are likely to be a learner despite your wealth of experience. Germans respect efficiency; they worship cold data. Nothing else matters. Personally, over a period of time, I found the Germans to be intelligent and interesting conversationalist. They love new ideas and they are always eager to know what’s happening in the rest of the world. They are high on “facts” and low on “feel”, which might make you think they are rather cold. To repeat, you are a global leader, now. You have to be open to new styles, experiences and people—dial down what you expect and be more open to accept.

 And to think we were one large, close family in my Pune company … sigh!

Yes, you were one family in Pune but, as the CEO, you never let that interfere with performance, did you? If you did not let familial love get in the way of professional outcome, you will like your new German family, too.

Any do’s and don’ts?

Here are a few things you must do.
Say what you intend to do and do what you say. Respect hierarchy. Consistently demonstrate efficiency and punctuality. Obey rules and where necessary lay down rules for everyone to follow. Be open, straight and direct.
Two things you must never do. In case of any kind or degree of failure, offer facts and not excuses. Never use emotion as a strategy to defend yourself or anyone else.
Now, that strategy should work well anywhere, don’t you think?

 Your Turn

What do you remember from your first week in Germany that affirmed or repudiated your one firm belief about Germany?