Why We Do It
To promote successful outcomes and implementation of work plans for achieving business goals, such as:
- Speed (“faster”)
- Flexibility (“meet changing needs”)
- Efficiency (“more for less”)
- Higher Quality (“better”)
- Lower Costs (“cheaper”)
CLICK HERE for real-life examples of typical needs
Common American-Israeli Cultural Misunderstandings
These kinds of situations, if not correctly addressed, can sabotage working together.
The American may mean… |
An Israeli might hear / think… |
|
| We may have some challenges here. |
Oh,oh, we have some problems that must be solved. |
Great -- finally things are getting interesting, challenge is good. |
There are issues with X. |
There are problems with X that must be addressed - they might be serious enough to make X not doable. |
We can continue with X as we had intended - there might be some more discussion over some aspects that are worrying you, but nothing serious is wrong. |
| You might want to consider….. |
The way it is now needs to be changed because there is a problem. |
Why should I consider another way? That isn't relevant because it doesn't sound like there's any problem with the way it is now. |
| Did I understand you correctly when you said X? |
I am amazed that you said something so wrong or stupid. |
Looks like I need to explain again because they didn't understand the first time. |
| I would appreciate if you could get this to me by Thursday. |
The drop dead deadline for this is Thursday. |
It would be nice to get it done by Thursday, but not essential. Later than Thursday will also be OK. |
I'll make an effort to get this to you by Thursday. |
I didn't really commit, so it's optional whether I'll change priorities or try harder than usual. |
I can count on you doing everything possible for this, including working extremely longer hours than usual. |
| When an Israeli says | The Israeli may mean… | An American might hear / think… |
| You have to listen to me. | I want to get your attention. | You're ordering me around in a very arrogant way! |
| You are wrong. | I disagree with your point of view and want to discuss it some more so that we can reach agreement on the best approach. | You are insulting me. Also, clearly there's no room for discussion because you have negated me. Looks like I should back off and not discuss this any more. |
| OK, I understand, let's move on. | I understand and agree with your point, i.e., you have persuaded me. | You're not really willing to listen to me because you actually think that what I have to say isn't of any value, and you just want to avoid further discussion. |
It's your fault that we did X. |
I need you to acknowledge that is wasn't my fault. However, that has nothing to do with our working together as respectful colleagues. | You don't respect me because you're blaming me. I don't think we are going to be able to work together. |
| Your presentation was OK . | Your presentation was really good. | You didn't like my presentation. |
| Why don't you do it another way? | I'm giving you a helpful suggestion because I'm interested in improving the result. | You are really insulting my work. |
Adapted (in part) with permission of authors of: Border Crossings; American Interactions with Israelis, by Lucy Shahar and David Kurtz., Intercultural Press, 1995.
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