The American term Time is Money conveys the concept of efficiency as a measure of good negotiation. It is culturally significant because prolonged processes are seen as a weakness or incompetence, especially regarding negotiations.
Walk-Away Point
The American term Walk-Away Point conveys the concept of the moment one leaves the negotiation. It is culturally significant because decisiveness and clear boundaries are seen as signs of self-confidence.
“My hands are tied”
“My hands are tied.” This expression conveys the idea of having no room to maneuver or make concessions. It is often used to deflect blame or explain limits of authority, underscoring the importance of clear boundaries in American negotiation.
Lowball offer
Lowball offer. A deliberately low offer intended to create room for negotiation. This strategy is common in American bargaining, signaling a competitive, results-oriented mindset.
“fair and reasonable”
German law is characterized by its structure, precision, and comprehensive nature, emphasizing the protection of both parties in commercial transactions. The German Civil Code codifies principles of fairness, transparency, and contractual integrity. The principle of good faith under Section 242 of the BGB requires that prices be fair and reasonable, reflecting actual value rather than speculative market conditions. Consumer protection laws further reinforce the notion that prices should be objectively justified, not arbitrarily set based on market demand or negotiation skills.
right to negotiate
American law, particularly contract law, emphasizes the freedom to negotiate and bargain without state interference. The principle of caveat emptor, or let the buyer beware, underscores the expectation that both parties in a transaction are responsible for establishing a fair price. Unlike German law, which may emphasize fairness and transparency, American law prioritizes individual autonomy and the right to negotiate based on perceived value.
laissez-faire capitalism
The American faith in market forces was solidified during the Gilded Age, a period characterized by rapid industrialization, economic expansion, and laissez-faire capitalism. Entrepreneurs like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie amassed vast fortunes through aggressive pricing strategies, demonstrating that the market, not moral or ethical considerations, was the ultimate arbiter of value.
“Da gibt’s keinen Spielraum”
Da gibt’s keinen Spielraum. There is no room for maneuver. Once a position has been established, it usually remains unchanged. Negotiating leverage is often limited, and flexibility is perceived as a weakness.
Price
Americans do not believe that there is such a thing as an objective price. They believe that market forces should determine price. And that means negotiation.
Career success in the USA
Career success in the USA: Five years ago, family man Guido Schmitz emigrated to New Jersey in the USA with his wife and daughter for his job. Professionally, things couldn’t be better, but the family still struggles with the idea of returning to their old homeland of Germany.
YouTube comments:
“I think people are so cool! Why can’t Germans be like that? Simply unconditionally warm, open, friendly. That gives you a completely different attitude towards life.”
“I’ve been to the US three times now. In total over a period of almost 3 months. During this time I was always on the move, trying to make contacts, observing, imagining living there. The USA is not a country for undecided people. Whoever hesitates or is scared loses. I’ve been to 149 cities, from the East Coast to the West Coast, with over 25 days in Texas in between, according to my Google timeline. People are often only friendly if they get money for it (locals). The rules in the US are not for Germans because we are too uptight. It is actually the case that the colleague in the video lives a classic stroke of luck of the American dream. That’s not the case for many others. The USA is a grand master in the topographical change of business locations. There is enough documentation for this. The odds of finding an employer that will make you satisfied to work for a full decade is hit and miss. Are you not performing, have you had a career break, is it hard to recover, social hammocks?”
“Just watched a report about American prisons, at least in part, then switched off… 🙁
How people, sometimes children, are treated there, violently. This is no longer a land of freedom. I never set foot there.”