If you are delicate, apathetic, inconsequential and trivial in your approach as a manager, you may need to consider carefully whether or not you would fit into culture of a German corporation, or would be able to lead negotiations successfully.

With following ten points you will find out if there are any difficulties doing business to business in Germany.

1. Leaders

German values favor leaders who are seen to be clearly dominating and charismatic in their style of leadership. Though they are expected to encourage others to work as an integral part of team, be accessible, and share information, managers in German companies are more distant. It is not unusual to find chief executive of a big German company making his way to his private office in his own private elevator!

2. Employees

In Germany there is often a complex system of employee performance appraisal. The practice of according job titles and minutely detailing an employee's responsibilities is common in German companies. This can lead to complaints from Germans if they only get vague indications of what they are supposed to do. A lack of clear direction, defined responsibility and goals can result in beginning to lose focus. German employees then see their job as boring and demotivating.

3. Leaders vs. Employees

German corporations unnaturally distance their employees by denying them any meaningful responsibility that would make them feel partly responsible for success of company.

4. Punctuality

In Germany, punctuality is necessary and meetings start at advertised time. Meetings go on for as long as committed followed by a time agenda. (visit www.smart-travel-germany.com/business-travel.html for further information)

5. Laziness