In Cologne very recently. A conversation with a graduate student interested in doing research on business cultures. We had spoken at length by phone a week earlier. But I could not remember the details. So many interviews since then. I start off explaining the basics, am not sure if and to what extent she understands me. I continue, going into more and more detail.
Hardly any change of expression on her face. A direct, but impersonal look. Do I go more in-depth or stop? I ask if she understands me. She does. Ok. We move on to more topics. Same dynamic. I explain that she needs to let me know if I am going into too much or too little detail. She does neither. Frustrating for me, most likely for her, also. Time not well-spent. Nothing new for me. I’ve experienced this time and again, and unfortunately all too often with prospective customers.
