These first couple of weeks in Strasbourg, France have broadened my worldview on how a businessperson who intends on being successful in their endeavors conducts themselves. I have noticed that the French really appreciate some degree of formalities before jumping into the matters at hand. A simple “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” can be the difference in the foundation you set when meeting someone for the first time and asking something of them. This simple realization held a mirror up to a pitfall of my home culture in America, where we move incredibly fast and break the ice as swiftly as possible. Another observation I have made is that group and business dinners include some degree of community, whether by water pitchers shared by the table or cheese platters meant for everyone to enjoy. Of course, these things are offered at home, but in France, they are the expectation. I think this speaks to the communal and collectivist nature of the country. Last but not least, work is not the end-all be-all here. The work day doesn’t start as early as legally possible, lunches run late, and work hours come to a screeching halt on Friday afternoons and resume back on Monday (forget about reaching anyone or anything on a Sunday, especially). It has been my observation that the French move intentionally and with regard to the bigger picture of enjoying their day-to-day life. And lucky for them, this is afforded by their working culture and societal norms. All in all, my time in France thus far has taught me how to take a step back and soak everything in before making the next move. It has also made me incredibly more confident in my ability to conduct myself in new environments. If I can survive being plucked and placed in a foreign country for 4 weeks and learn how to operate and conduct myself like a local, I feel I can do the same in other opportunities that require similar levels of change and adaptation. Thank you, Strasbourg!
