EP 408 - What happens when British charm collides with German order in the workplace? In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, we speak to professor and senior partner at GTK Germany - Manfred Klein - who breaks down the surprising differences - and hidden similarities - between the UK and Germany’s business cultures.From awkward handshakes and endless small talk to rigid agendas and direct feedback, discover why British and German colleagues often clash in meetings, negotiations and everyday work.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why German efficiency and precision frustrates British colleaguesHow British politeness and vagueness confuses German teamsThe truth about work - life boundaries in Germany vs the UKWhy Germans trust process while Brits trust personalityHow cultural differences can make or break international business dealsIf you’re doing business with Germany, managing international teams, or just curious about cross-cultural communication, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and a few laughs.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Business Without Baggage part 3 - Germany00:43 Meet Manfred - A Legal Heavyweight01:16 The Importance of Formality and Punctuality02:20 Setting and Following an Agenda04:53 Work-Life Boundaries in Germany17:05 Direct Communication and Feedback29:14 The Role of Hierarchy and Family Businesses39:25 Social Security and Employee Expectations40:54 Understanding German Employee Benefits41:25 Work-Life Balance in Germany42:05 Challenges in the German Health and Pension Systems42:54 Maternity and Parental Leave Policies44:01 Declining Birth Rates and Social Security46:26 Immigration and Cultural Integration48:05 German Cultural Traits and Business Etiquette49:15 Economic Challenges and Quantitative Easing50:25 Direct Communication and Efficiency in Germany57:00 Business Collaboration Between Germany and UK59:16 Ease of Doing Business in Germany01:09:00 Common Mistakes When Doing Business in Germany01:11:03 Visa and Property Ownership in Germany01:13:50 Andy Wears German Carnival Outfit01:15:19 Business or Bullshit quiz!01:18:04 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - [email protected]

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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