Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber. Based on real events, this series dramatizes the rise of Uber and its founder’s approach to business agreements. It showcases rapid deal-making, constant negotiation, and a willingness to abandon partnerships or change course when necessary, reflecting the American logic of prioritizing results and adaptability.
close or walk away
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992). Set in a high-pressure sales office, this movie depicts real estate agents in constant contact with clients and each other, always ready to close or walk away from deals. The focus is on results, not relationships or context, and the right to exit is exercised ruthlessly.
made and unmade
Silicon Valley. This comedy series follows tech entrepreneurs navigating the startup world. Agreements—whether with investors, partners, or competitors—are frequently made and unmade, with characters constantly adapting to new information and shifting alliances. The series depicts a culture where ongoing contact and the ability to pivot or exit deals are crucial.
Military Aid to Ukraine
Modern German Political Decision-Making (e.g. Military Aid to Ukraine): Recent decisions, such as sending military aid to Ukraine or providing German-made tanks, have been characterized by lengthy internal debate and demands for contextual clarity. Germany’s government typically seeks broad consensus among coalition partners and ministries, and only acts after extensive information gathering and negotiation. Allies often note Germany’s hesitancy, but when a decision is finally made, it is highly committed and rarely reversed.
get a dog
Wall Street (1987). The film’s protagonist, Bud Fox, and corporate raider Gordon Gekko engage in a series of business deals where alliances are fluid, context is kept minimal, and loyalty is secondary to opportunity. The famous line, “If you need a friend, get a dog,” underscores the transactional, exit-ready mindset prevalent in American business culture.
transactional and ruthless
There Will Be Blood (2007). Daniel Plainview’s business dealings are transactional and ruthless. He enters agreements with landowners and partners, only to break or manipulate them for personal gain. The film critiques the destructive consequences of this approach, both for individuals and communities.
Context
German Approach
The German yes means a high degree of commitment. Before granting it Germans want to be sure that they can fulfill it. In order to decide they request a lot of context information up-front. Examples
American Approach
Once Americans enter into an agreement they are in constant contact. They see no reason to go into great depth about the context. But also because they reserve the right to exit the agreement. Examples
American View
A German colleague requesting what can appear to be too much background information can give the impression of being overly conscientious, risk-averse, even mistrustful.
An American would wonder: „If we have an agreement, why does my German colleague need so much information up front. Let‘s get started. We‘ll be in touch as we proceed.“
German View
Germans are surprised that Americans would ask them to enter into an agreement without having first provided the contextual information necessary to make a decision.
They then experience Americans who become impatient with their questions. Depending on the sensitivity of the agreement, a German might suspect that an attempt is being made to gain their „yes“ without them fully knowing or understanding the potential effects. A German might become careful, sceptical, even wary.
Advice to Germans
Your American colleagues expect a higher level of communication during the time span of an agreement. Therefore, they need not know the whole story up front. Provide what they need in order to get started.
If and when they require additional information, you‘ll hear from them. Be prepared to communicate on a more frequent basis.
Now, if an American provides you with too little context information in order for you to make a decision, kindly indicate this. Tell them that you simply are conscientious, that you want to get it right the first time.
Advice to Americans
Remember, Germans separate between substance and person. Vigorous intellectual give and take on controversial topics is not personal.
In fact, it is one way in which the Germans demonstrate respect for America and Americans. It means that they take your point of view and America seriously.
So, engage with the Germans. Help them to understand the American viewpoint. And put some effort into understanding their point of view. It’s well worth it.