Navigating Swedish and British business cultures

Let’s be honest: understanding business culture can be the difference between impressing your boss and finding yourself in an awkward “I thought we were on the same page” situation. And if you’re diving into the quirky business landscapes of Sweden and the UK, buckle up.

Sure, our two nations share a long history of trading tea, biscuits, and flat-pack furniture, but if you think we’re practically the same just because we both like queuing and avoid eye contact in elevators, think again!

Swedes improvise, Brits organise

Imagine walking into a workshop in Sweden, expecting an agenda, only to find yourself in an open discussion that feels more like a philosophy class than a business meeting. Welcome to Sweden, where workshops aren’t about ticking boxes but rather about exploring ideas, like a jazz band riffing without a setlist. Swedes thrive on the question, “What do we want to achieve together today?” For them, it’s all about the journey, not just the destination.

Meanwhile, our British friends prefer their workshops more like well-orchestrated military operations. They come in armed with a bullet-point agenda, objectives, and maybe even a flowchart or two. “What do you mean, ‘What do we want to achieve?’ Isn’t that what the agenda is for?” a Brit might mutter, clutching their carefully prepared notes.

The awkward moment: A Swedish participant opens with, “Let’s brainstorm and see where it takes us.” The Brits, already perplexed, exchange looks that say, “Shouldn’t we have done this brainstorming bit before the meeting?”

Pro tip: Swedes, it won’t kill you to set a little structure beforehand. Brits, sometimes stepping off the agenda can lead to that ‘eureka’ moment you never saw coming. Meet somewhere in the middle—like having a roadmap but allowing for scenic detours.

The direct Swede vs. the diplomatic Brit

Swedes love 'lagom'—the concept of 'just the right amount'. This balanced approach carries over to their communication style: direct, clear, and to the point. When a Swede says, “I don’t think this idea will work,” that’s exactly what they mean. No frills, no fluff, just facts.

Contrast this with the British love of euphemism and understatement. A Brit might say, “Hmm, I'm curious to learn how you reached that conclusion,” which actually translates to, “That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard.” Brits can find Swedish directness a bit blunt, while Swedes might wonder why their British colleagues speak in riddles.

The awkward moment: During a meeting, a Swedish colleague says, “This is not a good approach,” and the room goes silent. A British colleague might respond with, “Well, that’s certainly one perspective,” while secretly wishing they were anywhere else.

Pro tip: Swedes, a little diplomatic cushioning never hurt anyone (“I see where you’re coming from, but…”). Brits, let’s be honest—sometimes it’s best to just say what you mean. Your Swedish counterparts will thank you for it.

The Swedish contemplative pause vs. the British awkward gap

Silence is practically a sport in Sweden. In a meeting, a pause isn’t a call for panic—it’s a moment of respect and reflection. Silence, for Swedes, is like that extra strong coffee—bold and invigorating.

For Brits, silence in a meeting is more like a black hole that must be filled immediately with small talk, a comment about the weather, or a witty remark. If a Brit goes silent, it’s usually just a cue for someone else to jump in and save the day.

The awkward moment: After a presentation, there’s a long pause. The Swedes are nodding, lost in deep thought. Meanwhile, the Brits are sweating, thinking, “Did I offend everyone? Why isn’t anyone talking?”

Pro tip: Brits, sometimes a pause is just a pause. Swedes, a reassuring nod or a quick “I’m just thinking,” can prevent a lot of stress and unnecessary chatter.

Swedish democracy vs. British ‘benevolent dictatorship’

In Sweden, decision-making is a full-contact sport where everyone gets a vote. Consensus is king, and the process can feel like herding cats—slow, but eventually, they get there. It’s like assembling an IKEA wardrobe without the manual; everyone has an opinion on what the final product should look like.

British decision-making is a bit more top-down. There’s usually a designated leader who, after some polite discussion, says, “Right, this is what we’re doing.” Efficient, decisive, and maybe a tad impatient.

The awkward moment: At the end of a meeting, the Brits are ready to charge ahead, while the Swedes are still circulating a Google doc for more feedback and thoughts.

Pro tip: Swedes, sometimes it’s okay to make a quick decision. Brits, remember that the Swedes’ slow approach can mean stronger buy-in and fewer surprises later.

The Swedish need for guidelines

If there’s one thing Swedes love more than a fika (coffee break), it’s being told exactly how to live their lives by their beloved State Machine. While Brits pride themselves on “muddling through” with a stiff upper lip, Swedes want clear, research-backed guidelines for everything—from recycling to proper screen time for kids.

Exhibit A: This week's publication from Sweden’s Public Health Authority: “Recommendations for balanced screen use among children” Yes, you read that right. Swedes need official guidance on when little Emma should put down the iPad. Without these directives, Swedes might just wander aimlessly through life, unsure whether they’re watching too much Netflix or parenting correctly.

The awkward moment: A Brit suggests, “Why don’t we just see how it goes?” A Swede immediately responds, “But what do the guidelines say?” The Brit is left wondering, “Guidelines? For deciding what to watch on TV?”

Pro tip: Brits, appreciate the Swedish love for governed structure and guidelines. Swedes, try embracing a bit of British spontaneity. Life is more fun without a user manual sometimes!

Swedish stealth mode vs. British banter

Both Swedes and Brits appreciate dry humor, but they serve it differently. Swedish humor is so subtle, you might miss it altogether. Think of it as the ninja of comedy—by the time you realise it was a joke, it’s already too late. Brits, on the other hand, love a good bit of sarcasm and irony, delivered with a poker face and a cheeky grin.

The awkward moment: A Brit cracks a joke about how complicated a new process is, expecting a chuckle. The Swedes, ever earnest, nod and begin discussing ways to simplify it.

Pro tip: Swedes, sometimes it’s okay to laugh even if you’re not 100% sure it’s a joke. Brits, not everyone speaks fluent sarcasm—maybe give them a heads-up with a wink.

At the end of the day, cross-cultural collaboration between Swedes and Brits is like a cup of tea with a side of pickled herring—unexpected, but it works. Whether you thrive on a tight agenda or an open discussion, prefer a direct “no” or a diplomatic “maybe,” the goal is to embrace each other’s quirks and find common ground (preferably over a strong coffee or a pint).