Germans believe that important decisions should be reached via consensus. Ideally within the entire team, but at least among its key members. Once made, those decisions are best implemented when communicated, understood, and accepted by the broader organization. Examples
Strategy and Tactics
Americans, those leading as well as those being led, prefer specifically formulated, command oriented tasks. The command addresses both the what, and the how. Overall responsibility for the how is shared by both levels. Examples
Strategy Modification
Germans expect room to interpret decisions when implementing them. In certain situations Germans will deviate considerably from a decision which they, as subject matter experts, judge to be counterproductive to the mission. Examples
Strategy and Tactics
Germans, those leading as well as those being led, prefer generally formulated, mission oriented tasks. The task addresses more the what and less the how. Responsibilitiy for the how lies with the implementer on the tactical level. Examples
Lines of Communication
Because Germans, those leading as well as those being led, prefer generally formulated, mission oriented tasks (more what, less how), they maintain longer lines of communication: less interaction, fewer status meetings, fewer iterations on tactical issues. Examples