US Business Culture: "They never take the initiative!"

"They don’t take any initiative!” That’s something I’ve heard Danish bosses say about their US employees.

In Denmark, good employees finish their tasks and then look for more ways to help the company.

But US workers at big companies can’t do this for legal reasons. If an employee takes the initiative, goes outside her area of expertise, and makes a mistake, the company might get sued.

So keep in mind, US employees might need your “permission” to take the initiative and try something new.

Kay Xander Mellish is the author of "Working with Americans: Tips for Danes" and "Working with Danes: Tips for Americans," available on books.howtoliveindenmark.com or on Amazon, Google Books, Apple Books, Saxo Books, and Barnes and Noble Nook. You can also check out the audiobooks on Amazon Audible, Mofibo/Storytell, Nextory and Bookbeat.

Learn more at amerikansk.dk .