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 colleagues

How British politeness and vagueness confuses German teams

The truth about work - life boundaries in Germany vs the UK

Why Germans trust process while Brits trust personality

How cultural differences can make or break international business deals

If 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 - Germany

00:43 Meet Manfred - A Legal Heavyweight

01:16 The Importance of Formality and Punctuality

02:20 Setting and Following an Agenda

04:53 Work-Life Boundaries in Germany

17:05 Direct Communication and Feedback

29:14 The Role of Hierarchy and Family Businesses

39:25 Social Security and Employee Expectations

40:54 Understanding German Employee Benefits

41:25 Work-Life Balance in Germany

42:05 Challenges in the German Health and Pension Systems

42:54 Maternity and Parental Leave Policies

44:01 Declining Birth Rates and Social Security

46:26 Immigration and Cultural Integration

48:05 German Cultural Traits and Business Etiquette

49:15 Economic Challenges and Quantitative Easing

50:25 Direct Communication and Efficiency in Germany

57:00 Business Collaboration Between Germany and UK

59:16 Ease of Doing Business in Germany

01:09:00 Common Mistakes When Doing Business in Germany

01:11:03 Visa and Property Ownership in Germany

01:13:50 Andy Wears German Carnival Outfit

01:15:19 Business or Bullshit quiz!

01:18:04 Wrap Up

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