When Italians encounter a problem, the first move is to talk about it — with colleagues, family, trusted contacts, whoever has relevant knowledge or perspective. This is not a delay before the real work starts. The conversation is the work. Through discussion, the problem is examined from multiple angles, information surfaces that no single person had, potential solutions are tested against others’ reactions, and the people involved build the shared understanding they will need to implement whatever solution emerges.
If you are working with Italian colleagues, expect problem-solving to involve substantial discussion. The conversation may seem unstructured, but it is productive. Resist the urge to cut it short or to push for a decision before the conversation has done its work. The alignment and commitment built through discussion are what make the solution stick.
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