German thinking is very direct. Don't be surprised to get a No for an answer. It's not impolite in Germany, it's just straight and fair but if ever you get a Yes – it always means yes – not maybe, maybe later, or maybe not.

So be prepared for some tough negotiations. Or enjoy Sejo on your side leading the negotiations towards the desired result.

Germans seem to be either friendly, or rude, depending on the business behaviour in your own country. German people like to talk about facts, searching for solutions and getting to the point. When there is a problem to discuss, there is no need to converge slowly – time is money. A meeting with a group of managers in different positions and with unequal status may create a hierarchy, but in a modern company every smart idea is welcome.

Ladies may be first, but can also be emancipated. Should you open the door for her? But if you are the guest, should she open it too? Is she a manager, would it be polite or flashy? If she is a secretary, she could feel it is part of her job to support her management with gestures like that? One thousand traps to fall in. Or take advantage of a partner on your side who knows how to handle such matters. Sejo as a German consulting company at an executive level is with you at your business destination, because we are part of it.