Learn about the Dutch concept of “Normal is the Norm”, and how the Dutch perceive this. Learn what this concept means in collaborating with the Dutch from a leading expert in Intercultural training and communication. In this episode, I interview Hilde Ellerbroek – de Graaff, Trainer Intercultural communication and author of the book Decoding the Dutch, a fun and informative guide for making your way within Dutch working environments and Dutch Society.
Key Take-Aways:
- Treat the other like you would like to be treated yourself or should it be: Treat the other like this person would like to be treated?
- If you are somewhere within the average, you are doing good.
- Dutch managers don’t know how to handle competition within a team because they believe everyone is equal. There is no better or best in the group.
Key Quotes:
- “When you work within a Dutch team, there is no competition. Everyone is equal.”
- “I was a real good student but I always tried to stay in the shadows, tried not to stand in the light…..”
- “Within a competitive society, there’s winning and losing, this is not the case in the Netherlands, except if the soccer team is playing.”
Important Links
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