Explicitness
Americans approach important topics carefully. Euphemisms help communicate uncomfortable messages. Depending on the topic’s sensitivity, they will address it indirectly. In the American context indirect communication is considered both polite and effective. It maintains the dialogue in order to deepen it. Patterns
Identity
Americans link the professional with the personal. Statements made about a proposal, a concept, or work results are by definition judgements about that person’s competence, ability, experience, skills. To say that engineering work performed was poor, is to say that it was a poor engineer who performed it. And usually there are consequences in the American business context for those who do not perform. Patterns
Small Talk
In the American business context small talk is an essential part of communication. Small talk gets the communication going, it „greases the wheels.” It also allows each person to get a sense for how the other people are doing, their mood, the overall atmosphere.
Americans seldom jump directly into the business subject matter. For Americans business is always to certain degree a personal matter. In fact, Americans prefer to work with people they like, and who like them. Patterns
Controversial Issues
Americans choose to discuss non-controversial topics. Divisive subjects are seldom raised. The American logic is to avoid any contention which can damage a personal or working relationship. They seek out commonalities, look for reasons to relate, not separate. Patterns
Unsolicited Advice
Americans rarely give unsolicited advice. Even among family and close friends Americans give advice only after having been asked. And even then, depending on how sensitive the topic, they communicate their advice in carefully worded language. Patterns