I am based in Singapore. We read business books written by American authors/guru and emulate them.By American Standards.
The Germans think American waitstaff are terribly rude, they are always bugging you when you want to be left alone to eat your meal in peace. They ask How are you? and smile at people who are not their friends.
Walmart lost billions because the Germans hated all the forced smiling and would pay more to avoid it.
That is why so many of the foreigners in Germany go to Irish bars or what have you with similar culture, if there is an area in USA, with enough German visitors, I bet glum faced staff would do well.
After all why else would no one offer SUCS in Germany and out-compete anyone?
Cultural difference is an excuse for not willing to serve well.
Lloyd Blankfein recalled that in the 80s when his colleague was abused by his client on the phone and was about to put the phone down, he rushed to stop him from putting the phone down. He later became the CEO in the bank which also emerged as a top investment bank t in U.S.
The American standard in Business, Service and marketing eventually proved competitive in the market place and is exported all over the world.
Europeans believed that their personal time is sacred and not to used for business. Then there will always be someone more hungry to eat their lunch.
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