Comparing two German with two American quotes about “problems” provides insight into the differences between the two Problemverständnissen – literally problem-understandings.
“To recognize the problem is more important than to recognize the solution, for the accurate and precise description of the problem leads to its solution.” Albert Einstein
“The conception of the problem is more important than the conception of the solution. More lies in the question than in the answer.” Walter Rathenau
“Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them.” Henry Ford
“I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” Mark Twain
“The hair in the soup” is a German figure of speech which describes well German Problembewusstsein – literally: problem-consciousness. “To look for a hair in the soup” goes even further, describing the strong German inclination to look for problems even in areas where they are not likely to exist.
November 12, 2024. Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer, reports on the company’s progress. A video with the title “90 days in 90 seconds.”
However, many Germans were not convinced. Not because Germans are mean people. Not because Germans are negative, destructive, or pessimistic. But instead, because they have a different approach to persuasion. How they persuade. How they allow themselves to be persuaded.
See the Anderson-video and the comments on LinkedIn. Here are some of the German comments:
“Dear Bill Anderson: I know that you have a difficult job, and I don’t want to blame you for the mistakes of your predecessors. Nevertheless, you should be able to honestly tell employees, shareholders and the German public, how things are going at Bayer. Your above statement is in my point of view misleading and irresponsible.
Bayer’s existence is threatened and you and the top management (seem) have not yet understood this. Stop being the Olaf Scholz (German Chancellor) of the German industry and please switch from Disney Land mentality to the necessary crisis mode. If you and management are unable to recognize, communicate and resolve the realities, please clear the way for leaders who can. And please stop sugarcoating terrifying realities ASAP!!!”
The commenter is a Ph.D. university professor in Pathology and Immunology. And the commenter is a German who has also become an American citizen.
Another comment from a German on LinkedIn: “‘We’re making great progress in some areas.”‘ You cannot be serious! The share price is at a 20-years low. It is true that you cannot be blamed for your predecessors’ mistakes, but where was the share price at, when you started as CEO at Bayer?”
And this from a Bayer-employee: “With this performance and a drop of more than 10% in share price today, I would be surprised if you survive another year as CEO. Be honest and inform the public that the Bayer Monsanto merger is a huge insolvency risk. It is time for a rescue plan to save at least parts of the company.” The commenter is German.
Americans strive to see problems as opportunities. 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. Examples
For Germans a core competence is the ability to identify, analyze and solve complex problems. The key to success is problem-solving. In the German business context to be persuasive is to focus primarily on problems. Examples
For Germans a core competence is the ability to identify, analyze and solve complex problems. The key to success is problem-solving. In the German business context to be persuasive is to focus primarily on problems. Examples
American Approach
Americans strive to see problems as opportunities. 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. Examples
American View
The German focus on the weak points of a given situation is understood by Americans as precisely that: seeing problems primarily as problems and consciously seeking them out. Instead of searching for the positive in a given situation, Germans are viewed as pessimistic, negative, under certain circumstances even as destructive.
German View
Interpreting a problem as an opportunity and acting too quickly signalizes to Germans an inability to recognize the seriousness of the situation and its dangers. Americans can come across to Germans as naive and impatient.
Advice to Germans
Remain problem-oriented. It is a German strength. But choose different words. Americans are capable of discerning between serious and less serious problems.
Establish more balance between German problem-orientation and American optimism. Not all problems have to be addressed or even solved, in order to move forward.
Advice to Americans
Reduce your natural American optimism. Show more attention to the potential downside of a given situation. Acknowledge problems as they are.
Address them directly and openly. Not all problems are challenges. Not every cloud has a silver lining. Do not fear being seen as negative and pessimistic by your German colleagues.