Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to everyone's greater comprehension of the issues at hand.
It will not be your job to reach a concensus.
Everyone should get the chance to voice their opinion
and discussions may get far more heated than they would
in your business meetings at home. The person chairing
the meeting will usually remain passive, listening. It is his
responsibility to reach a conclusion, but not necessarily at
the end of the meeting.
Negotiations
According to Bob Moran, the French consider negotiation as
they would a grand debate. At the conclusion of such debate,
well-reasoned solutions can be found. Yet often after such a
heated debate, nothing spectacular will seem to have been
concluded. Sometimes, in what seems to be mid-debate,
the subject may change completely, leaving one whole
issue hanging.
Don't worry. Such airing of opinions is an important part of
solving a problem. A great matter will take a great deal of time
to consider. Don't expect everyone to agree with your opinions.
Let's break for lunch.
THE BUSINESS LUNCH
As we know from Chapter 6, lunch is a great place to
establish good relations with French co-workers. Few would
consider a meal without wine and this gives everyone a
chance to relax and get to know each other, putting the
ofi ce dynamics temporarily aside. The general rule is: no
discussion of business until the cheese course (at the end,
just before coffee)!
Often the subject of work will not ever be discussed.
Lunch is a time for enjoying the senses and the intellect, for
feeling alive. There is more to life than making money, at
least in France.
Arriving at an ofi ce for a meeting just before lunch hour
will not endear you to a hungry colleague or customer, nor will
you i nd him very responsive immediately after a big lunch
with wine. If you are trying to establish a good relationship
with this person, suggest lunch, instead. Taking each other
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