Understanding Poland
Poles can seem alternatively proud and defiant, warm and indifferent, formal and friendly. Each contrary characteristic is the result of a long history as a country placed exactly in the center of Europe and being the coveted prize of Central European Germanic, Czech and Hungarian empires that were vying with eastern Slavic and Baltic regimes. Throughout the centuries, Poles have had to develop mechanisms to preserve their own individual culture, while fighting back against being overrun and torn apart from both the east and west. The resulting personality is one of resiliency, personal loyalty to those who are trusted and fierce resistance to those on the outside, as well as an odd mix of Latin fatalism (Poles are a Roman Catholic, Slavic nation) coupled with an unexpected Slavic attraction to risk and possibility.
Speaking Polish
The Polish language has been developing for over a millennium. It belongs to the group of West Slavonic languages that include Czech, Slovak and Lusatian. It is now the official language of Poland, spoken by some 99 percent of the country’s 38 million people. It is also spoken among Polish communities scattered all over the globe, the largest of which live in the United States, the major nucleus being Chicago. Polish is a phonetic language, which means that there’s a consistent relationship between pronunciation and spelling. Enjoying Polish Hospitality
Expect to toast frequently (“Na zdrowie”). Drinking is more than customary. You may be invited to drink at any time of the day or night, even at business meetings in the morning. Usually, drinks consist of little shot glasses of vodka drained in one gulp, bottoms-up style. When toasting, be sure never to break eye contact with the person you are toasting from the moment you lift the glass to the moment you place it down again. It is wise to always eat while drinking.
When entering a Polish home, you will probably notice shoes lined up in front of the door. This indicates that you should remove your shoes before entering. If invited to a Polish home, expect to be hosted royally, even if the occupants are of modest means. Poles will try to provide you with every possible comfort, including a multitude of delicious Polish dishes that will leave you more than full.
Building Relationships
You must personally take the time to build trust and comfort. Poles will make decisions quickly, and they are known for taking risks, sometimes even significant risks if they feel comfortable working with you. Unless this is established, however, they will be cautious and circumspect in their work with you. Gift giving remains crucial, because even business relationships ultimately are based on that all-important personal relationship. Poles will like gifts of delicacies from the west that are difficult to obtain in Poland. Most Poles have learned some basic English (younger Poles, more so) these days, so coffee-table books about your country are a great gift-giving idea.
Communicating with Poles
Shake hands with everyone to whom you are introduced in business and first-time social situations. If there is a large group of people, you must not leave anyone out. The American-style group wave is not appropriate in this situation.
Poles don’t waste time on vacuous pleasantries; they get right to the point. When you ask them how they are, they’ll expect you to stick around for the full and honest answer. Alternatively, they can appear, at once, far too personal too soon (“how much do you make at that job?”) and far too formal for too long. It is important to use last names with pan (Mr.) or pani (Mrs.) until they invite you to address them by their first names.
Conducting Business
Be flexible in business. Things take more time than you’d think. Do not expect prompt responses, and resist the temptation to think that the Poles are avoiding you. They are simply dealing with their own set of constraints, ranging from personal or professional responsibilities that take precedence over telephones to little daily emergencies with which you, as an outside visitor, will generally not be bothered.
Because of decades of centralized control by the communists, Poles (particularly older) may have difficulty with some work concepts that Americans find second nature, such as competitiveness, customer service and profit and loss. Be understanding, and be willing to play the role of the teacher.
Poles have many indigenous and highly cherished traditions. Before going to Poland, learn as much as you can about the long and difficult history of the Poles. They will appreciate your every effort to demonstrate a respect for and understanding of this rich heritage, including some use of the language whenever possible. Endearing yourself personally to the Poles will help you achieve long-term business goals.
Working on an international team can be a challenge, but you can prepare yourself and your team the necessary skills for effective cross cultural communication.