Germany
For Germans a core competence is the ability to identify, analyze and solve complex problems. For them the key to success is problem-solving. In the German business context to be persuasive is to focus primarily on problems.
United States
Americans strive to see problems as opportunities. And opportunities are to be exploited. Competent is that person able to recognize opportunities in difficult situations. In the American business context to be persuasive is to focus primarily on opportunities.
