enric
14 Aug 2013
Life / Temperament of Poles - my observations [23]
Well, maybe things have changed a lot but my experience differs a bit from Matt's. Back in the mid 90's I was working in London for a British multinational which set foot on Poland and I had the privilege to meet and work with some of those Polish colleagues. It was a short project for me I give it to you, but my perception is quite the opposite from Matt's in most issues. I found Poles to be cold at first (most like most Slavics, especially those enduring tough regimes for so long) but very warm once they get to know you. I myself am Mediterranean, hence quite 'friendly' -although I also have my share of bad temper!- and I found most Poles enjoying the "laid back" approach I normally use. Note: "laid back" as in being approachable, open and friendly on a personal level, nothing to do with being strict and professional in the work environment.
While it's true that it took me a while to create a true team spirit, Poles are as capable as any other nationality to work together. But one has admit that the country's individualistic personality is very useful in certain environments. In my case, it was great to see how someone to whom you assigned a responsibility was capable of working on his/her own without asking all the time whether he/she should do this or that as it happens in some other cultures in which individualism is not rooted (or simply, seen as a defect).
One thing I agree with Matt is that Pols are stubborn :)... but I suppose this has to do more with the person than rather the nationality.
Well, these are my five cents!
Well, maybe things have changed a lot but my experience differs a bit from Matt's. Back in the mid 90's I was working in London for a British multinational which set foot on Poland and I had the privilege to meet and work with some of those Polish colleagues. It was a short project for me I give it to you, but my perception is quite the opposite from Matt's in most issues. I found Poles to be cold at first (most like most Slavics, especially those enduring tough regimes for so long) but very warm once they get to know you. I myself am Mediterranean, hence quite 'friendly' -although I also have my share of bad temper!- and I found most Poles enjoying the "laid back" approach I normally use. Note: "laid back" as in being approachable, open and friendly on a personal level, nothing to do with being strict and professional in the work environment.
While it's true that it took me a while to create a true team spirit, Poles are as capable as any other nationality to work together. But one has admit that the country's individualistic personality is very useful in certain environments. In my case, it was great to see how someone to whom you assigned a responsibility was capable of working on his/her own without asking all the time whether he/she should do this or that as it happens in some other cultures in which individualism is not rooted (or simply, seen as a defect).
One thing I agree with Matt is that Pols are stubborn :)... but I suppose this has to do more with the person than rather the nationality.
Well, these are my five cents!