Part 3 - Lessons Learned from a Brazilian SM/PO - IT sector cultural difference - Brazil x Sweden

As we commemorate International Migration Day today in this article, I am going to share some stories on topics about the work environment in Sweden and Brazil giving a continuation from Part 2.

Work in Sweden: A Harmonious Blend of Structure and Flexibility

Embarking on my initial assignment as a Scrum Master in Sweden, I was introduced to an accessible work culture. The flat organizational structure was a revelation – papers and hierarchies were transparent, allowing easy communication with anyone across the company.

Global Connectivity: Interacting with colleagues from every corner of the world was an enriching experience. The diversity in English accents taught me a valuable lesson – effective communication doesn't hinge on perfect English. Everyone has an accent when English is not their mother tongue.

Work-Life Balance: The seamless integration of personal and professional life was refreshing. Open communication about appointments or the need to leave early showcased a genuine respect for work-life balance. Additionally, the flexibility to take a week of sick leave without a doctor's prescription was a game-changer, allowing for recovery without unnecessary bureaucracy.

Summer Vacation Culture: An unprecedented culture shock awaited me when the entire workforce, from managers to developers, collectively embraced a vacation period from June to August. Projects continued seamlessly, even without designated leaders during this time, illustrating a unique approach to downtime.

Scheduled Socialization: Unlike Brazil's spontaneous AW gatherings, Sweden's more organized approach, with a preference for agendas, took some adjustment. Scheduling social events may seem less spontaneous, but it fosters responsibility and commitment.

Structured Frameworks and Empowerment: Sweden's work culture thrives on structured frameworks, whether it's Scrum or SAFe. The surprising absence of micromanagement empowers employees to take the lead in initiatives and decision-making.

Work in Brazil: Where Flexibility Meets Challenges

Mixed Leadership Roles: In Brazil, leadership roles often intertwine, providing individuals with a diverse array of responsibilities. While flexibility enhances collaboration, it can sometimes blur the lines between roles.

Specialized Support: Projects in Brazil frequently involve specialists, ensuring a profound understanding of development team requirements. In my experience, having an expert in the education sector supporting a Product Owner proved invaluable. I found that my requirements were consistently comprehensive, and I missed this level of support during my assignment as a PO in Europe.

Micromanagement and Trust Dynamics: Unfortunately, micromanagement is a prevalent challenge in Brazilian workplaces. Coupled with potential trust issues, it can hinder employees' ability to execute tasks independently. Having experienced both micromanaged and less controlled environments, I've seen how the latter allows for greater creativity and contribution to product development.

Socialization: Socialization is a cornerstone of Brazilian workplaces. Regular informal meetings foster a sense of community, even preceding retrospectives. While retrospectives sometimes focus more on turning shared experiences into actionable insights, camaraderie remains a vital aspect.

Additional Insights: Celebrations and Traditions

Celebrations: Birthday customs differ – in Brazil, it's customary to give a gift and a cake, while in Sweden, the birthday person takes charge of the cake.

Year-End Traditions: Christmas traditions diverge too – Brazil embraces a basket of Christmas food, while Sweden revels in the Julbord, a special dinner featuring traditional Swedish cuisine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, each country presents its unique set of challenges and advantages, and choosing between working in Sweden or Brazil ultimately depends on your individual career goals. If you have any comments or experiences to share, I welcome your thoughts in the comments below. Feel free to share your insights and join the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you!??