Purpose
Germany
For Germans planning is absolutely critical to success. A good plan provides structure. It maintains cohesion and stability. Thoughtful planning reduces risk. Examples
United States
For Americans a plan is an approach, a way to proceed. A good plan guides people who are collaborating. A plan keeps them on a path towards a target. Examples
Short Mid Long
Germany
Germans plan for the mid- to long-term. Short-term action cannot be planned for properly. It’s almost a contradiction in itself. Short-term planning is often not worth the time, effort and investment. Examples
United States
Americans plan for the short- to mid-term. Long-term action cannot be planned for properly. It’s not worth the time, effort and investment. Examples
Detail
Germany
Germans believe in detail. Their plans have a high degree of detail. Germans tend to plan from A to Z. And they prefer to plan well in advance before beginning execution. Examples
United States
Americans believe in less detail. The degree of detail of their plans is based on the given situation. Americans plan A to C in great detail, begin executing, then continue planning as they proceed. Examples
Flexibility
Germany
Germans believe that a plan can only serve its purpose if you stick to it. “Why make a plan if you don’t intend to execute on it?” They are not easily thrown off balance by changing parameters. Examples
United States
Americans believe that a plan should be flexible. If the plan, or aspects of it, are not working make the necessary changes. “Why execute on a plan that is not working?” Examples
Contingency
Germany
Because Germans believe in discipline – sticking to the plan – they do much less contingency planning. Examples
United States
Because Americans believe in flexibility, going off plan, they do a significant amount of contingency planning. Examples
