The French do not rush to solutions. Their instinct is to understand a problem thoroughly before acting.
If you push for quick decisions, you may be seen as superficial or reckless. Before meetings, prepare substantive analysis of the issues. During discussions, be ready to explore causes, examine implications, and consider different angles.
The question “why is this happening?” matters as much as “what should we do?” When working on problems together, expect that time will be devoted to understanding before moving to action. This is not indecision—it is the conviction that good solutions require good analysis.
If you want to be effective, demonstrate that you have studied the problem carefully. Present your understanding of causes and context, not just your recommended actions. French colleagues respect those who have done the intellectual work.
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