|
Ensure, that you give at least 2 weeks notice, if you are arranging a meeting in Sweden.
Months to avoid if possible, include June, July, August and then late February through to early March, as most Swedes will be on holiday during these periods. As with the UK, most Swedes are also absent during the Christmas period.
Punctuality is absolutely essential. If you are late, then this will reflect very badly on you and will be viewed as discourteous.
Swedes rarely engage in small talk at the start of a meeting. Instead, people will move directly to the topics at hand.
Meetings are typically governed by an agenda which is distributed to individuals prior to the meeting. There is very little talk outside of the agenda topics.
Although most meetings are managed by a particular person, all individuals are expected to contribute.
Swedish business personnel are extremely detail focused and as such any presentations should be well prepared with supporting, accurate and relevant data. Be assured that your hosts will pay a great deal of attention to the detail.
Swedes rarely make decisions during initial meetings and as such, the first meeting that you have with your hosts is likely to be fairly general and low key.
Swedes are direct communicators and as such, "Saying what you mean and meaning what you say" is both practiced and expected.
‘Awkward silences’ are rarely seen as awkward in Sweden and as such, Swedes do not rush to fill conversation silences.
If you are trying to sell something then try to tone down the use of emphasis or superlatives as it is very rare that a Swede will over elaborate during a conversation – even if they are trying to sell something. Failure to adhere to this could result in your delivery being viewed as insincere.
|
