I Didn’t Mean to Give that Impression

One key element both countries must keep at the top of their minds is the fact that difference in perspective and culture can cause interactions and conversations to be interpreted differently than intended.

“British companies should not be too modest,” was the response from a senior member of the British Government when I brought this issue up to him. “British companies should tell Americans what they are good at, and why they should invest in or buy from them.” The sad truth is, many business deals have not happened because the British way of understating their expertise has been interpreted by American companies as meaning the Brits can’t do what the Americans thought they could.

I’ve seen it in the startup scene in particular ...

Keep reading over at A Scot Across the Pond.