Strategy vs. Tactics
Germany
Germans﹣those leading as well as those being led﹣prefer generally formulated, mission oriented tasks. The mission addresses more the what and less the how. Responsibility for the how lies with the implementer on the tactical level. Patterns
United States
Americans﹣those leading as well as those being led﹣prefer specifically formulated, command oriented tasks. The command addresses both the what, and to some degree the how. Overall responsibility for the how is shared by both levels. Patterns
Strategy Formulation
Germany
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. Patterns
United States
Americans believe that important decisions should be made by the team lead. Ideally with input from key members of the team. Once made, those decisions are best implemented when communicated and understood by the entire team. Patterns
Strategy Modification
Germany
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 unwise, counterproductive, or harmful to the business. Patterns
United States
The line between those who make decisions and are responsible for their outcomes, and those who carry out those decisions, is drawn very distinctly in the American context. Decisions which cannot work or would damage overall efforts are communicated up the chain of command by those working on the tactical level. There is very low tolerance for modifying decisions. Patterns
Lines of Communication
Germany
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, less frequent status meetings, fewer iterations on tactical issues. Patterns
United States
Because Americans﹣those leading as well as those being led﹣prefer specific, command oriented tasks (both what and how), it follows that team leads will maintain shorter lines of communication with their team members: more interaction, more frequent status meetings, more iterations on tactical issues. Patterns
