Why British Meetings Drive Germans Crazy

EP 408 - What happens when British charm collides with German
order in the workplace?


In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, we speak to
professor and senior partner at GTK Germany - Manfred Klein - who
breaks down the surprising differences - and hidden similarities
- between the UK and Germany’s business cultures.


From awkward handshakes and endless small talk to rigid agendas
and direct feedback, discover why British and German colleagues
often clash in meetings, negotiations and everyday work.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:


Why German efficiency and precision frustrates British colleagues


How British politeness and vagueness confuses German teams


The truth about work - life boundaries in Germany vs the UK


Why Germans trust process while Brits trust personality


How cultural differences can make or break international business
deals


If you’re doing business with Germany, managing international
teams, or just curious about cross-cultural communication, this
conversation is packed with real-world insights and a few laughs.


*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the
bottom right corner of your player*


Spotify Video Chapters:


00:00 Business Without Baggage part 3 - Germany


00:43 Meet Manfred - A Legal Heavyweight


01:16 The Importance of Formality and Punctuality


02:20 Setting and Following an Agenda


04:53 Work-Life Boundaries in Germany


17:05 Direct Communication and Feedback


29:14 The Role of Hierarchy and Family Businesses


39:25 Social Security and Employee Expectations


40:54 Understanding German Employee Benefits


41:25 Work-Life Balance in Germany


42:05 Challenges in the German Health and Pension Systems


42:54 Maternity and Parental Leave Policies


44:01 Declining Birth Rates and Social Security


46:26 Immigration and Cultural Integration


48:05 German Cultural Traits and Business Etiquette


49:15 Economic Challenges and Quantitative Easing


50:25 Direct Communication and Efficiency in Germany


57:00 Business Collaboration Between Germany and UK


59:16 Ease of Doing Business in Germany


01:09:00 Common Mistakes When Doing Business in Germany


01:11:03 Visa and Property Ownership in Germany


01:13:50 Andy Wears German Carnival Outfit


01:15:19 Business or Bullshit quiz!


01:18:04 Wrap Up


Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube


Follow us:


Instagram


TikTok


Linkedin


Twitter


Facebook


If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact -
mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me