Doing enterprise throughout borders might be tough for numerous causes. Other than the sheer logistics of speaking throughout time zones, there are additionally distinct cultural variations that may result in unlucky misunderstandings and fake pas. Whereas these are typically minor, they’ll color a dialog or a primary impression – and doubtlessly result in you lacking out on a deal, or beginning your new enterprise out on the flawed foot.
Scandinavia – that’s Sweden, Denmark and Norway – isn’t one homogeneous block, however the three international locations (and fellow ‘Nordics’ Finland and Iceland) do share widespread histories and tradition. Whereas it isn’t one which will probably be fully alien to companies from the Anglosphere, there are distinctive quirks which are price contemplating. Right here then are our 8 fast suggestions for doing enterprise in Scandinavia, and ensuring you make the best impression with companions, purchasers and clients.
1. Don’t beat across the bush
As is widespread amongst many northern European international locations, Scandinavians favour directness over faff and bluster. There may be little or no ceremony when conducting enterprise on this a part of the world, which suggests there isn’t a lot to recollect. Nevertheless it may also conflict along with your pure want to be reserved, over-polite and over-cautious in case you make a mistake.
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Attempt to suppress these instincts, and keep away from being excessively well mannered or overly deferential. As an alternative, get to the crux of what you need to focus on, and be clear in what you need from whoever you’re chatting with. They’ll respect your honesty and candour, and received’t need to decipher something you’re saying, permitting you to return to a clearer understanding and settlement.
2. Respect the boundaries of labor
It’s no coincidence that Scandinavian international locations are each among the many happiest on Earth, and have the clearest division between work and private life. Individuals within the area are likely to work laborious, but in addition count on that work to finish when the working day does. That is not like another international locations the place working hours could be a guideline reasonably than a rule, or the place days might be stretched when required.
In brief, don’t ship emails or name folks in Scandinavian international locations outdoors of working hours, and positively don’t count on a response. When you would possibly assume this confers an eagerness to work collectively or on a selected challenge – or just not give it some thought in any respect – it’s more likely to really come throughout as overbearing, overeager, and customarily irritating. All the pieces you should do might be achieved in working hours.
3. Be pleasant (however not too pleasant)
Friendliness isn’t at all times a pure accomplice to straightforwardness (naming no international locations), however it’s in Scandinavia. Whereas there are introverts and extroverts all over the place, it tends to be the case that businesspeople within the area are very pleasant and approachable. This will result in the breaking down of some regular enterprise limitations, which will help to construct relationships extra rapidly.
This should not be a licence to get too acquainted, nonetheless. The standard guidelines nonetheless apply, and you must deal with enterprise relationships as precisely that, and never overstep your boundaries. Scandinavia merely embraces being your self at work, reasonably than a buzzword-spewing automaton – though if you’re a buzzword-spewing automaton, that’s most likely superb too.
4. Gown smart-casual (emphasis on good)
The way in which you costume is a giant a part of the way in which you current your self to potential purchasers and companions, and the primary impression they are going to get. Sensible is at all times a should when assembly folks for the primary time, because it confers professionalism (meaning you too, tech CEOs). However being too buttoned-up can set expectations for folks which may be tough to beat.
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A part of the extra informal and reasonable nature of Scandinavian enterprise conduct is dressing sensibly. There’s nothing flawed with a go well with, however don’t overdress for the sake of it if it’s a sizzling day, and don’t keep away from further layers if it’s a chilly one (because it’s more likely to be in Norway). As an alternative, put on one thing that’s neat, suits effectively and doesn’t give off any pointless vibes – let your character and prep do the speaking.
5. Keep away from leaning into stereotypes
Stereotypes are good fodder for late-night comedy, however they don’t have a tendency to scrub that effectively with the folks they’re about. They positively aren’t one thing that you must slip into conversations with folks from that nation – even when these individuals are as typically easy-going and tough to offend as Scandinavians are typically.
Having seen numerous scandi-noir doesn’t make you an knowledgeable on Scandinavia, and it positively isn’t an ideal ice breaker for a enterprise dialog. Given the excessive degree of English proficiency in Scandinavian international locations – and a considerable amount of exported UK and US TV exhibits – they most likely know much more about your nation than you do about theirs. Be deferential to that, and keep schtum except they bring about one thing up.
6. Don’t give items (they’re unlawful*)
* Okay, that final bit is an over-dramatisation – however they are often. Strict anti-corruption legal guidelines throughout Scandinavia imply {that a} lavish present might be misinterpreted as a strategy to win somebody’s favour. Consequently, items normally usually are not a part of the enterprise tradition, and making an attempt to provide one – even a reasonably token present to mark a accomplished deal or new partnership – could also be rebuffed.
This isn’t to say you could’t give items in any respect, however that you ought to be particularly cautious when giving them. Presents may also carry subtext which may be interpreted in a sure means, corresponding to why you’d be giving somebody a selected ebook. It’s greatest to keep away from them, however should you do give them, make them small, do it in earnest, and know the particular person you’re giving it to.
7. Harness the ability of the espresso break
Espresso breaks are an ingrained a part of the enterprise tradition in a lot of Scandinavia. In Sweden, these breaks are known as “fika”, which interprets each because the act of getting espresso and hankering after one thing. Fika is a standard strategy to break up the day and socialise with colleagues, with everybody taking 10 minutes out for a drink and a candy snack.
If you happen to’re increasing to Sweden or conducting enterprise there, this can be a nice strategy to ingratiate your self, study your colleagues or enterprise companions, and take your thoughts off work. Participation isn’t necessary, however it’s typically anticipated, as who wouldn’t need espresso and a pastry? Deciding to work as a substitute received’t win you any plaudits – you’ll simply look a bit bizarre.
8. Govern by consensus
You’ve most likely seen an increase in conferences since Zoom made them simpler, however this was already a pattern in Scandinavia. A protracted historical past of consensus in authorities and social issues has made determination by committee not simply fascinating, however largely important. Managers and CEOs are anticipated to make choices with a broad degree of enter, performing in a means that’s consultant of everybody’s pursuits.
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This doesn’t imply that there isn’t room for personalities and particular person duty in a Scandinavian enterprise, nevertheless it does imply that there’s an expectation that folks’s voices and opinions needs to be heard. Embracing the advantages of a various array of opinions, experiences and views needs to be a part of your enterprise technique within the area, and one thing you look to harness, reasonably than battle towards.
None of the following tips for doing enterprise in Scandinavia are hard-and-fast guidelines, however they need to offer you a common thought of Scandinavian enterprise tradition, and what to anticipate whenever you arrive. The fundamental guidelines are the identical as they’re anyplace else: be thoughtful, converse clearly and concisely, keep away from insulting anybody – and settle for a espresso break with out query.
For extra info on firms in Scandinavia, click on on our pages for Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
