3 KEYS TO UNDERSTANDING THE ISRAELI MINDSET
- Readiness to engage in confrontation – Israelis relish a good debate, confrontation is acceptable, even desirable. Since Israelis usually believe that the clash of ideas produces better solutions to problems, they will engage in conflict in almost any situation without regards to hierarchy or politeness.
- Israelis tend to be emotionally expressive. They believe it is important to have passion in whatever they do, as contrasted with other culture’s concept that self-restraint is essential. Loud tone does not necessarily mean Israelis are yelling or are upset, rather this is normal for everyday conversations. Israelis shift quickly between anger and laughter.
- Directness : “Speaking durgi”,i.e “telling it like it is ” is at the core of being an Israeli. Israelis believe dugri is synonymous with honesty, authenticity and courage. This is a ‘no-frills’ no ‘sugar coating’ communication style. It is imporatant to realize that Dugri is not meant as a personal attack.
Cultural diversity can sabotage success if discounted / can be turned into strength if correctly managed