Germans have experienced times of acute shortage. These have left their stamp on the German product philosophy. Efficiency is a key product characteristic. Efficient in its development, manufacturing, and use. Examples
Success Factor
If surveyed Germans would rank internal processes, how the work is done, just after people as the most critical success factor. However, often it seems that people serve processes more than processes serve people. Examples
Message vs. Messenger
Germans separate message from messenger. The presenter consciously and purposely moves into the background, so that the message takes center stage. Germans believe that arguments should speak for themselves. 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
Consult vs. Serve
The Germans prefer consulting over serving. To consult the customer is to work auf Augenhöhe, at eye-level. The German people instinctively reject any form of master-slave business relationship.
The German customer prefers a supplier, consultant, vendor who insists on a business relationship auf Augenhöhe. Germans don’t want to be served, they want to be consulted, by an expert, at eye-level. Examples