Working with Americans

13:

let’s make a plan

INTRODUCTION

“Planning” is such a widely practised, celebrated event in the US that even Microsoft has decided to get in on the act: its Office2000 Pro software version comes pre-packaged with the integrated Microsoft Business Planner tool, which implies that their US customers expect this as part of any computer package, whether you use your computer for business applications or even leisure pursuits! Planning is one way of controlling the “ready, fire, aim” tendencies, for which American business is renowned, especially when planning forays into international markets. And now hyperplanning in most US organizations is becoming an even more widespread practice following the random acts of terrorism on New York City ...