Business is a fascinating game that combines maximum excitement with minimum rules.
Bill Gates
Below we will share a few observations that can become your secret weapon in negotiating with English partners and clients.
From the point of view of the Ukrainian mentality, there is a certain duality in the character of the English. Being inveterate conservatives, the English are individualists who value independence. It is surprising how two opposite traits - conservatism and strong individuality - can be combined? The key to understanding the English character lies in the words "rules of the game", in the special meaning these words carry in the British Isles.
The inhabitants of the Foggy Albion tend to look at the norms of behaviour as a kind of rules of the sporting game. The British have a developed sense of justice, so in business they profess a belief in fair play, do not tolerate trickery and uncertainty. On the one hand, they are friendly and always ready to meet the partner, but on the other hand, the British remain unshakable in everything that concerns the observance of some rules, especially laws.In contrast to the British, Ukrainian entrepreneurs prefer to be flexible in the process of negotiations and can easily go to break the rules for the sake of a person to whom they feel personal favour.
During negotiations, one rarely hears categorical and direct assessments of what was said from the British. As a rule, they use more diplomatic expressions, for example, the words: perhaps, it seems to me, maybe, etc. This does not at all indicate secrecy or duplicity. We should not forget that English traditions prescribe restraint in judgment as a sign of respect for the interlocutor.
The British approach negotiations very pragmatically, believing that depending on the position of the partner in the negotiations themselves, the best solution can be found. Therefore, during preparation for negotiations, several options for behavior, as well as compromise options, should be considered. The British are very observant and easily detect professional incompetence. That is why, before starting negotiations with an entrepreneur from the UK, you should, on the one hand, collect as much information as possible about the structure of the market, the characteristics of the business under discussion, and, on the other hand, try to collect information about the personal preferences of your business partner. And if you really want to please your English partner, you should start negotiations not with a business issue, but with purely human issues - sports, hobbies, weather. Be sincerely interested in his hobby, and show him respect.
English businessmen have long earned an excellent reputation in the business world, and are rightfully considered one of the most qualified specialists. And negotiations with English partners should be perceived as a good business school of international level.
We invite you to use little secrets that will help you shine in any negotiations.
Good luck to you!
