“If you take on a lot, you can also fail a lot.” Mark Twain (1835-1910)
figures of speech
Der Kluge baut vor
Vorbereiten. To prepare. To anticipate a situation; to be enabled to complete a task; to do the work needed beforehand; to develop oneself.
The Germans place great value in being well prepared. They gather information early, complete the initial steps, anticipate what will come. They believe that being prepared saves time and effort, and allows them to make the best decisions.
Der Kluge baut vor. The intelligent one prepares early. Those who are not prepared, who, for example, forget to buy certain things when food shopping, or cannot respond to questions in a meeting, have only themselves to blame. To be well prepared is in Germany not voluntary, not a nice-to-have, it is expected. Germans are under pressure to think things through, to write things down, to do their homework.
The purpose of good preparation is to get the work done faster and better. One needs no more than a shopping list when it is clear what meal will be cooked. To prepare for a meeting is not difficult, provided one knows what will be discussed.
In Germany, most people have a concrete idea of how things should be, of what they plan to eat, of what they will discuss in a meeting. Germans not only make plans, they live according to them.
Pushback
Pushback. Resistance or objection. Unlike in some cultures where disagreement is downplayed, Americans may openly express pushback as a sign of engagement or assertiveness in negotations.
“Wir machen keine halben Sachen”
Wir machen keine halben Sachen. We don’t do things by halves. In Germany, thoroughness and completeness are expected. Compromises that are perceived as half-hearted are considered unacceptable.
“It’s a win-win”
“It’s a win-win.” This phrase is used to describe a situation in which both sides benefit. It illustrates the American emphasis on creating solutions where no one ‘loses’ – an optimistic, problem-solving mindset. However, is this the deepest negotiating logic in the U.S.?
Fakten auf den Tisch legen
Fakten auf den Tisch legen. Laying the facts on the table. This expression means that you should disclose all relevant information and focus on factual arguments. It is about not playing tactical games, but presenting the facts clearly and concisely.
“Get to the bottom line”
“Get to the bottom line.” To focus on the essential conclusion or price. This reflects the American preference for clarity, efficiency, and result-oriented communication in negotiation.
“Let’s make a deal”
“Let’s make a deal.” This expression signifies the desire to reach an agreement. It reflects the American focus on outcomes and mutual gain, seeing negotiation as a positive opportunity to strike a deal.
“Shoot from the hip”
“Shoot from the hip.” To act or speak quickly without much preparation. While spontaneity and directness are valued in American culture, this approach can also come across as impulsive or risky.
“Let’s table it”
“Let’s table it.” To postpone the discussion of an issue. This tactic is often used to avoid deadlock and return later with more clarity or leverage – a hallmark of American flexibility in negotiation.