Working with Americans

16:

let’s do lunch

INTRODUCTION

We Do It Our Way. The typically independent attitude of Americans extends to all facets of their lives including their own definitions of appropriate behaviour. In this chapter we look at Americans’ preference for building relationships by sharing activities, their approach to meeting people, and suggest some practical tips for being polite the American way.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why Americans are known as “joiners par excellence”.
• The role of philanthropy in American lives.
• Useful tips for adapting to American eating rituals.
• The complicated American views on food which take them from organic markets to fast food drive through lanes, from diet obsessions to food as an affordable indulgence.

Situation

You meet ...