United States – understand-culture

Iteration

The term iteration has become common within American companies: to communicate several or many communications, back and forth, between two or more parties, in which information is exchanged, decisions made, activities (action items or more simply actions) agreed to.

Merriam-Webster online defines iteration as a procedure in which repetition of a sequence of operations yields results successively closer to a desired result.

Americans iterate, some intensely so. It allows them to maintain flexibility, to ensure information flow, to discriminate between what is important and unimportant, to reduce risk. Like any strength, however, it can be inflationary: too much communication, too little action.

Instead of front-loading an agreement with in-depth discussion about the details, Americans iterate.

Hesitation

In American culture, waiting until you have all of the information is considered so negative that there are many popular phrases and quotes that warn against this behavior. Some of the best known follow:

“He who hesitates is lost” – a person who spends too much time deliberating before acting will lose the chance to act at all. The first use of this phrase in the United States was in 1858 in The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table by Oliver Wendell Holmes, although the phrase was first used in England in 1712 in Cato by Joseph Addison.

Liars always hesitate – a person who hesitates before speaking is probably not telling the truth.

Zuckerberg

The Social Network (2010). Chronicling the creation of Facebook, this film shows Mark Zuckerberg’s shifting relationships and agreements with co-founders and early partners. The story is marked by frequent renegotiation, legal disputes, and Zuckerberg’s readiness to change or exit agreements as the business evolves, reflecting the American logic of flexibility and ongoing negotiation.

as circumstances change

Suits. This legal drama centers on contract negotiations, mergers, and business deals. Characters are in constant communication, often renegotiating or exiting agreements as circumstances change. The show highlights how American business culture values strategic flexibility and clear, actionable terms over deep contextual or relational commitments.

Roommate Agreement

On The Big Bang Theory, an American television show about a group of physicists and the girl next door, two of the main characters share an apartment together. In order to ensure that things run smoothly from the beginning one of the roommates drafts a roommate agreement that outlines all of the rules by which the two characters will abide.

Additionally, anytime there is a change in the characters’ status (for example, if one of them starts dating), this roommate will write a modified version of the agreement to accommodate the new arrangement.

However, the second roommate hates having a fixed list of rules, and rather than being a way to solve disputes, the roommate agreement actually becomes the source of many arguments.

made and unmade

Silicon Valley. This comedy series follows tech entrepreneurs navigating the startup world. Agreements—whether with investors, partners, or competitors—are frequently made and unmade, with characters constantly adapting to new information and shifting alliances. The series depicts a culture where ongoing contact and the ability to pivot or exit deals are crucial.

change course when necessary

Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber. Based on real events, this series dramatizes the rise of Uber and its founder’s approach to business agreements. It showcases rapid deal-making, constant negotiation, and a willingness to abandon partnerships or change course when necessary, reflecting the American logic of prioritizing results and adaptability.

get a dog

Wall Street (1987). The film’s protagonist, Bud Fox, and corporate raider Gordon Gekko engage in a series of business deals where alliances are fluid, context is kept minimal, and loyalty is secondary to opportunity. The famous line, “If you need a friend, get a dog,” underscores the transactional, exit-ready mindset prevalent in American business culture .

close or walk away

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992). Set in a high-pressure sales office, this movie depicts real estate agents in constant contact with clients and each other, always ready to close or walk away from deals. The focus is on results, not relationships or context, and the right to exit is exercised ruthlessly.

transactional and ruthless

There Will Be Blood (2007). Daniel Plainview’s business dealings are transactional and ruthless. He enters agreements with landowners and partners, only to break or manipulate them for personal gain. The film critiques the destructive consequences of this approach, both for individuals and communities.