Question

You finally made the long trip overseas to meet the new German Director of your division. Despite slow traffic, you arrive only 4 minutes late. His door is shut, so you knock on it and walk in. The chair is too far away from the desk, so you pick it up and move it closer. Then you lean over the desk, stick out your hand, and say: “Good Morning, Hans, it’s nice to meet you”. But he looks at you coldly and gives you a negative vibe. You get the feeling that you have done something wrong. Using your knowledge of intercultural sensitivity and non-verbal communication across cultures, answer the following questions:

a) Identify four mistakes that you have made in this current situation. Explain.

Answer 1

Late, do not wait for invitation to enter, moving chair, and offering hand instead of waiting for him to do so. All are taking control from the Director.