How do I assert dominance over my European colleagues
HI monkeys,
A2 at WF here in a bit of a pickle.
Im staffed on a multinational deal which requires heavy collab with our London office. Problem is, the Europeans are always asking to meet at inconvenient hours. For example, I tried to schedule an 2pm meeting, they said this was "too late" and interfered with their "plans" before asking if I could meet at 9am!
I feel like, seeing as I am at HQ, they should be aligning to my time. Pretty entitled of them as satellite office team, IMO. Should I escalate this to management? I can't afford to accommodate their timezones and silly lunch breaks or else I'll miss my tee time
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's the deal: asserting dominance isn't the right approach here—collaboration is key, especially on multinational deals. Time zones and cultural differences are a reality in global teams, and managing them effectively is a skill that will serve you well in your career.
Here are some practical tips to handle this situation:
Alternate Meeting Times: If this is a recurring meeting, alternate the timing to make it equitable. For example, one meeting could be at 9am ET (2pm London), and the next at 2pm ET (7pm London). This shows you're willing to compromise and fosters goodwill.
Be Strategic with Scheduling: If the meeting is a quick touchpoint, consider scheduling it at an off-peak time, like xx:10 or xx:40, to avoid back-to-back conflicts. This can make it easier for everyone to attend without disrupting their schedules.
Communicate Clearly: Instead of escalating to management, have an open conversation with your London colleagues. Explain your constraints and ask for their flexibility while showing you're willing to meet them halfway.
Understand Cultural Norms: Europeans, especially in London, often value work-life balance and may have different expectations around lunch breaks or evening plans. Being mindful of this can help you build stronger relationships.
Leverage Technology: If scheduling becomes a nightmare, use tools like Doodle or Calendly to find mutually convenient times. This can save you from endless back-and-forth emails.
Remember, teamwork and adaptability are critical in cross-border deals. By showing flexibility and understanding, you'll not only get the job done but also earn respect from your colleagues. Plus, who knows? They might return the favor when you're the one in a tight spot.
Sources: Call scheduling is a Mindfuck, Networking in (mostly Continental) Europe, an experience, Call scheduling is a Mindfuck, Q&A: Managing Director at Large Global Asset Manager
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Remind them that they blew a 13 colony lead.
We had John Amherst (founder of Williams/Amherst, the greatest institution of all time), who led the revolutionary army to defeat the Brits in the battle of Rhode Island.
The europeans had 5 hour union mandated lunch breaks
No lead can save you from that
Tried to do a joint-deal with the Madrid office. Every meeting somehow conflicted with their mandatory “Siesta.” Corporate later closed that office. I think it’s a 1500s museum now. If I was Spanish, I would want to relive my glory days too I’m sure.
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I know what you mean, my Spanish colleagues won't stop talking about the Siete.
Now I shine a bright blue flashlight into my webcam during meetings so they can't sleep during their nap time
Europe is literally a fake place.
Think of Europeans as NPCs in your game. Do literally whatever you want to do to them. They live in a fake country (Europe), speak fake languages, use fake currencies. They’re not real people, just side characters in the matrix.
Unironically just go over their heads to their VP, MD, whoever is “leading” their fake group. They can’t do shit because they aren’t American.
Tried emailing their VP. Got an auto reply that he is OOO on Spring Holiday from Feb 1-Apr 30. Maybe I can catch him before he goes on Summer Holiday on May 2nd
Americans when they obliterate their health, relationships and self-esteem by working 120 hours a week just to stick it to the Europoors
Stockholm syndrome corporate victim worshipping the materialistic rat race just to pay taxes to pedophiles and Israel
vs.
tanned European flying to its 5th annual trip (March btw) to Canaries for the weekend to read Sartre on the beach and eat some ripped additive free fruits (as per Euro directives) that don't fuck his thyroid
we're just not the same brah
Only thing we obliterated was the redcoats
Agreed
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