AYCON SPECIAL - USA

Special-Edition
USA
www.aycon.biz
PREMIUM EXECUTIVE
MANAGEMENT CONSULTING
& INTERIM MANAGEMENT
ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION

Photo: © Simon Doser
!AYCON Edition
A publication by:
!AYCON | Ulvi I. AYDIN | www.aycon.biz

A German Interim Manager
in the USA
Over the last few years, I've had many opportunities to
work in the US - in several mandates and with different
missions. It brings back memories of my time as
an exchange student at Coopersville High School
in Michigan - "Class of '78." Unlike in my yearbook
photo, my hair is a bit greyer now, but I also have a
few more years of management experience "under my
belt." What's more - time and again, I have the privilege
of working as an interim manager, consultant, and advisory
board member for European companies in the US.
Those are exciting mandates in an environment I know very
well. However, a lot is new. Much of 1978 has vanished into thin
air, and some has survived.
In this Special Edition USA, I want to share my impressions, experiences,
culture shocks, and inspirations of the land of opportunity with you. I observed
the working world with the keen eye of an experienced German interim manager.
I want to import the positive aspects I discovered in the US to Europe. At
the same time, I export my business experience from Europe to the US - blunt
and straightforward, as always. I've been back with mandates in the US for
several months now. This is my sixth mandate abroad (Switzerland, Austria,
UK, USA) and my fourth in the US.
I get asked about the differences between Germany and the US often. What
is different? Are there any key distinctions? Or even similarities? What stands
out? Especially in this current US mandate, I get that question more often than
before. I want to share my impressions in no particular order. I will examine the
different perspectives and highlight what stands out to me personally.
I hope you enjoy this insightful read!
Or, to say it differently: Sharing some insights.
Enjoy!
Ulvi AYDIN
!AYCON
SINCE 2005
Ulvi I. AYDIN
www.aycon.biz

Time Zones
Today: Working in Different
Time Zones
Working in the US means a 6-hour time difference.
In other words, Germany is 6 hours
ahead of the US. Even worse, I'm currently in
California, which means a 9-hour time difference.
Of course, the US is 6 or 9 hours behind
when I'm in Germany. I'm usually in the US for
six weeks - then in Germany for a week or
ten days, and then off again to the US for six
weeks. Working in two countries, on two continents,
in two time zones with a 6- to 9-hour
time difference means operating in two worlds
with vastly different cultural characteristics.
From a purely organizational point of view, it
is always exciting. Other (also important) things
still happen in Germany while I'm in the US, and
I have to be part of calls or Teams and ZOOM
meetings in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria.
It often means setting the alarm for 3 or 5
am to attend meetings at the appropriate European
time. Or, when I'm in Germany, attending
US meetings at 8 or 9 pm European time. They
can then go on until 11 pm – and they often do.
The point: Don't let it bother you. That's part
of the mandate. Good sleep management is
crucial (going to bed on time). Get up half an
hour beforehand, shave, and shower (you can't
show up in front of the camera in your pajamas
if you overslept) - even better, get up 45 minutes
before the call if you still have to prepare
for it or, get up an hour before the call if you are
the one presenting.
Then the night often ends at 2 am. I usually
don't go back to bed afterward but hit the gym
until the breakfast buffet opens. So, on days
like this, this means going to bed at 8 pm US
time (I need my six hours of sleep). How often
does this happen? About 2-3 times a week!
What's the takeaway? Anything is possible!
It requires organization – and discipline! Once
you get used to this rhythm, it's actually pretty
easy. However, it impacts one critical aspect of
your private life. You often miss birthday parties
or other celebrations. My three children
are grown and out of the house. In any case,
such an international mandate requires a partner
who follows and supports this rhythm.
The two essential requirements for a successful
overseas mandate are:
Discipline! Support!
Photo: © South_agency / istockphoto.com

Photo: © monkeybusiness / depositphotos.com
Mobility
Today: Mobility - Relocating
for a New Job
It has always been like this in the US and will
continue to be like this: high employee mobility
for a new job. Relocating within the US is often
no problem at all, even with "bag and baggage"
or, to put it differently, with "kit and caboodle."
The high willingness to move is culturally
and traditionally anchored. Americans fearlessly
move across the country and adapt to
new surroundings, landscapes, and neighbors.
It is often considered an enrichment that
one has already lived in Nevada, Ohio, Florida,
and Washington State - a personal and professional
gain.
Living and working in different corners of
the country means broadening your horizon,
and this applies to blue-collar and whitecollar
employees alike and, of course, to the
management level.
Many still have this "pioneering spirit" - the
willing ness to broaden their horizons. There's
no job for me in this state? Bummer - but okay!
Then I go where there is a job - any job - maybe
even one that pays more. In Germany - it's not
like that.
Photo: © everett225 / depositphotos.com

Onboarding
Today: Status - Training New
Employees & Onboarding
In Germany, it is crucial to train new employees
thoroughly. There are many checklists, induction
routines, and training plans from the company
side. Deservedly so, onboarding is a vital
process so that new employees feel welcome
and actually are, get a thorough orientation,
and virtually have a perfect start.
In the US, such an onboarding process is
also very common, however, to a much lesser
extent. New employees (starting from
"middle management") often offer to create a
90-day plan themselves and get prompted to
do so. What am I going to do, what do I want to
achieve, what contribution am I going to make,
which specialists in the company do I want to
meet, and which questions do I want to be answered
as a new employee?
This approach is super exciting. It nicely
shows the new employees' management abilities
and the “I am self-driven" aspect. Taking
“
Asking candidates
to tell the company
WHAT they
EXPECT, WHEN,
and HOW
“
responsibility for what I want to achieve as a
new employee and what I EXPECT from my
new employer and manager.
I brought this aspect with me to Germany:
asking candidates to tell the company WHAT
they EXPECT, WHEN, and HOW! By the way, all
this is in writing, which is not self-evident.
It works very well!
Do you want to know more? Let's talk!
Photo: © Chattrawutt / istockphoto.com

Graphic: © Vladimir Ivankin / istockphoto.com
Answers
Today in this post, an issue that
shows that many things are much
more similar than you think: the
length of answers!
The quote from Martin Luther, "Show up confidently,
speak your mind, and finish quickly," is
just as important in the US as it is in Europe. It
is of tremendous importance and gets just as
often disregarded here!
As in Europe, long, convoluted sentences
are packed with ambiguities - probably in the
hope that there will be something in there for
the listener. Not for nothing, the English language
came up with the communication slogan
"If you cannot convince - confuse!"
Here and now, the German interim manager
comes into play with a complete violation of
the rule. Entirely politically incorrect, I interrupt
in such situations and say that I can no longer
remember the beginning of this long sentence.
For many Americans, this cultural clash of
being so straightforward and direct is hard to
swallow and very unfamiliar.
Here are two valuable tips. First: I didn't
come into a US culture from another culture to
“
Get to the Point.
Provide Clarity. Kill
Ambiguities
howl with the wolves or to accept every thing
by listening submissively, even if it doesn't
make sense. Getting to the point and making
clear and concise statements is actually a US
style. That's how I always experienced it.
Second: It is also clear that the board wanted
this - even required it. My client – the CEO
– also likes to quote Steve Jobs here, who said:
"We don't hire smart people and tell them what
to do. We hire smart people so that they tell us
what and how to do it!"
So get to the point.
Provide clarity.
Kill ambiguity!
“
With all due respect for the people, also be
clear. If necessary, exaggerate. That is a language
that defines successful companies all
over the world. You won't be successful if you
don't want, can't, or allow it!

Differences
Today: Differences in everyday live
What shapes everyday life, the daily routine,
as far as I (not always) consciously observe
it? Here in Ohio near Cincinnati, it is a lot
more apolitical than we perceive on the news
in Germany. No one walks around in cowboy
boots or a Stetson here. Almost zero weapons
to see. So a bit small-town, prim, quiet, and
some times very tranquil.
Let's discuss the difference
in daily life in the USA vs.
Germany.
Streets:
(USA) wide – not quite so wide (DE)
Parking:
(USA) nice and big – by now, too small (DE)
Tipping:
(USA) exorbitantly high – still quite normal
(at least in my perception) (DE)
Paying with a Credit Card:
(USA) practically 99% –
feels like 50% plus debit card (DE)
Store Hours:
(USA) every day (also Sundays) –
Monday - Saturday (DE)
Online Shopping:
(USA) everything and always – on the rise (DE)
Brick-and-Mortar Specialty Stores:
(USA) the trend goes towards a meager 5% -
10% – still approx. 50% (DE)
Photo: © Drazen Zigic / istockphoto.com
Department stores:
(USA) trending towards less and less –
actually already zero (DE)
Flight Shame:
(US) what's that? – Hmmmm… (DE)
Trash / Plastic:
(USA) I cause as much plastic waste here as a
family of four in Germany – getting less (DE)
Fear of the Future / Worries:
(USA) It'll work out – more of a proactive
attitude - the word "German Angst" has now
been adopted into the English language (like
"Rucksack," "Hinterland," and "Blitzkrieg")
– in Germany, people's perspective seems
skeptical (most of the time) (DE)
Mobility (within the country):
(USA) extremely high – relatively low (DE)
Mobility without a car (here):
(USA) not possible – it works (DE)

Photo: © peterwey / depositphotos.com
Fast Food / Convenience Food:
(USA) 99% – it won't take long to 90% (DE)
Christmas – more of a religious celebration
or more of business and folklore:
(USA) 85% business and folklore –
(DE) 90% business and folklore
HALLOWEEN – more business and folklore:
(USA) 85% business and folklore –
90% business and folklore (DE)
“
I'd agree with you,
but then we'd
“
both be wrong!
Russell Lynes
Family Aspect THANKSGIVING:
(USA) 100% family aspect –
10% harvest festival in the countryside (DE)
Is this list complete?
Of course not!
Is this list subjective?
Yes, of course!

Notice Periods
Today: Termination - Notice Periods
De facto, there is no notice period in the US!
Yes, it's true: "Being fired from one day to the
next!" is a thing. It's what is described as "hire
& fire" in Germany. Usually - and this is the rule
- there is a notice period of 14 days (calendar
days!). It's called "two weeks notice."
Many (in Germany) consider this terrible, unbelievable,
and predatory capitalism.
But! It also allows the employee to leave quickly.
The freedom to start your new (desired)
job faster and more swiftly. With more salary?
With more freedom? With more development
opportunities? So: Is that an advantage for the
employee? In my opinion, a resounding yes.
Here's a quick personal experience. I became
a Department Head at the age of 31. With
a decent company car. Salary: perfect. Bonus:
The bomb! The notice period in my contract?
Attention! 12 months to the end of the calendar
year. I was on cloud nine! I thought I had hit the
jackpot. That was supposedly the spearhead
of my development.
After almost two years, I wanted to leave.
Too much politics. Too many small-minded
people. Suddenly, the notice period hung
around my neck like a heavy iron chain. After a
few discussions with the Executive Board and
the Supervisory Board, they let me go relatively
quickly. That's where the quote "Never hold up
travelers." comes from.
Bottom line from the perspective of seniority
and the US and Germany? You can't stop
free spirits! Never! And people who don't dare
stay where they can't leave. It has nothing to
do with wanting. There are (laboratory) experiments
on behavior that you can transfer to organizational
development.
If you lock someone up - lock them up for
a long time, bind them to you for a long time -
and then open the lock and door, then...
Photo: © Jovanmandic / istockphoto.com

Graphic: © Mironov Konstantin / istockphoto.com
KISS
Today: “KISS”
There are also commonalities – similarities:
Missing "KISS." My favorite acronym is "KISS."
For me, "KISS" always stands for: Keep it short
and simple! Keep it simple, stupid! Keep it
short and sexy!
Excellent managers can present complex
issues and strategies with "KISS." Within
2 minutes, they can represent the essence
(essence is defined as the "nature of a thing").
Albert Einstein once said: "If you can't explain it
to a six-year-old, then you don't understand it
yourself!" Or as Dwight D. Eisenhower said: "If
you can't summarize it on one page, it is neither
thought through nor ready for a decision!"
Not-so-good managers (to put it euphemistically)
can't do that. And these are then an
imposition and usually also losers. In my interim
manager, consultant, and advisory board
member mandates, I tell my clients and C-suite
managers that if they can't present the substance
of an essential strategy in two minutes,
they won't be able to do it in two hours, either.
Because a fundamental fact - such a strategy –
wants and needs to be understood and accepted
by everyone in the workforce, customers,
and banks. By all stakeholders! Outstanding
managers can do that! This ever­ dwindling
quality seems to be an international, even universal,
virus.
The reaction is even more refreshing when
I point out in my not-so-reserved manner that
I didn't understand them. That what they presented
was too complicated, too complex.
It ALWAYS leads to exciting and constructive
discussions. The 180-page presentation
gets streamlined. The two hours and around
12,000 words ("for a German speaker, a value
between 90 and 120 words per minute is within
the reference range") get condensed into ten
pages and around 2,000 words. And – voila!
Comprehensibility increases. And – also understanding.
And with it, acceptance! It is identical
in Germany and the US.
So get to the point!

Photo: © YakobchukOlena / istockphoto.com
VALET PARKING - Shoe Shining
Today: Service! Service! Service!
It is an extremely enjoyable experience. Very
pleasant to take advantage of. It's perfectly
natural and goes without saying.
Shoe Shining Service at trade shows, airports,
and shopping malls. It's a no-brainer. Sit
down and chat, and your shoes are immaculate.
Delivery Service – it's as natural as shopping
or picking something up yourself. You
don't even think about it. It's what you do.
Valet Parking at good restaurants. You drive
up - they park your car and get it for you after
dinner. What you take for granted here still
seems "exploitative" in Germany. Here in the
US, it's a natural part of life.
Does this service create jobs? Probably yes.
Highly skilled jobs? Probably not! But does it
create jobs at all? Absolutely yes!
And one thing to remember: This is not a
charitable service. Every single action costs
you money – often quite a lot.
Service Desert USA: absolutely not! Service
Paradise USA: it seems like it!
Germany: more of a service desert than a service
paradise. REWE or Gorilla delivery service
(as long as they are still around) in Germany?
As is often the case, the US leads the way. And
Germany screws up implementing the idea.
The words service and "to serve" have more
of a positive connotation here in the US, but
not so much in Germany. In Germany, "serving"
seems less positive and sometimes even negative.
So, as is so often the case, it's about more
than just the money or the organization. It's
more about accepting the service - and the offer.
The attitude to the service.

Photo: © Ivanko_Brnjakovic / istockphoto.com
Job Title vs. Company Car
Today: Status – Job Title vs.
Company Car
In Germany, the company car has long been a
status symbol. Which brand? What features?
What extras? Displacement? Cylinder? HP?
THAT was important. I must admit: I felt special
when I received my first company car. It was
the same with the second. Then I could choose
freely what I wanted, and I felt like a million
bucks.
It's all completely different today! With age
and seniority, this becomes less and less important.
It's utterly irrelevant today. In my opinion,
the younger generation today doesn't
seem to care at all about this. But the car is still
important for some reason - it's still a "status
symbol.” At least a little.
In the US, it still seems (it used to be)
unimportant. Managers very often receive
a monthly car allowance in the amount of
$500.00-1,000.00. That's it! Here! Take the
"car allowance." Everything else is up to you.
It's different with titles! In the US! My perception:
In Germany, that was always secondary.
Not so important. No issue.
Of course, "Managing Director" or "Authorized
Signatory" are legally employed and defined
titles. But everything else is and was
some what secondary. In the US, the title is –
still – what used to be important to a manager
in Germany: Appreciation! Status! Pride!
Not just a "Manager." It should be a Vice
President. But nothing less than a "Director."
Or the other way around. Somehow everyone
is a manager. Therefore, "VP" or "Director" is
not just a title. It does something to you. It "elevates"
you, just like previously the company
car in front of the door in Germany.
PS: If a senior manager needs more than
20 minutes to choose his company car and its
features, he isn't one!

Sustainability
Today: Sustainability
In Germany, the development of sustainability
and waste prevention is everywhere. There is
no plastic cutlery, no plastic straws, no plastic
bags when shopping for fruit and vegetables,
and no plastic bags (anymore) to carry home
your groceries. Shopping baskets, cloth bags,
reusable string bags, reusable cups, etc., are
popular – and I practice this "to the nth degree."
In the US, "sustainability" is somehow
" there." But much less so, less practiced. In
California, it might be different. It probably is.
But I've never used/needed to use so much
"disposable stuff" in my daily life as in Ohio.
I haven't produced that much waste in years,
either.
My "carbon footprint" is not that great with all
my flights. But in this large and vast country,
the train is not an alternative in the US. Neither
is the car. If I want to get from Cincinnati
to San Francisco, I have to fly. That's almost
2,500 miles (4,000 km) - one way. When I
go for 2,500 miles from Munich, I am in –
e.g., Baghdad. Imagine that: Cincinnati-San
Francisco is practically the same physical distance
as Munich-Baghdad!
With these distances within the US, I simply
cannot travel sustainably. So I have to fly. And
waste prevention in the US is also a challenge.
Refueling
Today: Refueling
On October 4, 2022, in Remington, IN, 12 gallons
- i.e., about 45 liters cost $50.18 - i.e.,
50.19 euros. One liter for about 1.11 euros! I
almost felt like I was back in the good old days
(well, more like approximately two years ago in
Germany.)
Oh, man!
A full tank for 50.00 euros!
That is most likely still different in the US and
Germany. And the Americans are moaning and
groaning about their horrific gas prices! I'd be
thrilled if those gas prices came to Europe.
Photo: © JulyProkopiv / istockphoto.com
Photo: © privat

Carbon Footprint
Today: Carbon Footprint
I have just been in Germany for a week. The
news in Germany - among other things: "Last
generation - roadblocks because of taped
hands, feet, etc." Sustainability is critical.
Hearing such news makes you realize there
is always a change between the planetary systems,
especially if you fly back and forth between
Europe and the US. Today, I'm flying back
again to the US for six weeks, which is hardly
an issue. Sustainability? Known! Virulent? No!
Carbon footprint? Known! Virulent? No!
I'm afraid I screwed up my carbon footprint in
the US. And now, I will do it again. 4 flights per
week! I (have to) jump in the car for everything!
After my mandate in the US at the end of the
year, I will have to recalibrate myself (again).
The definition of "calibration" fits perfectly:
"What does calibration mean? During calibration,
we refer to a precisely defined input
variable as normal and compare it with the
measure ment result of the measuring system."
Let's look at the German word for measuring
system: “Messsystem." The word "Messsystem"
is indeed written with 3 's' in a row. I
rechecked it to be sure.
I recently wrote a blog post on LinkedIn about
"Sustainability." This article is part II of that.
Photo: © enot-poloskun / istockphoto.com

Tipping
Today: Eating Out.
Buying/Picking Up Food
In the US, you are expected to "tip," i.e., leave a
gratuity. About 12-15-20% is expected. Leaving
only 10% is always followed by the question of
what was wrong.
Now 15% has almost become the minimum.
The bills show how much tip you can/should
give. It suggests 15%-18%-20%. In metropolises
like NYC, they even point this out very
offensively. "Don't forget to tip!" And – I'm in
Manhattan right now – tips start at 18%. You
can choose between 18%, 22%, and 25%.
Now – and this is relatively new to me – it
has also become a (bad) habit when picking up
food (salads, sandwiches, pizza) in one of these
"takeaway" places. You stand in line, order,
and get your food. Of course, you will be asked
at the payment terminal to "select" 10-15-18-
20% gratuity when paying. I've been traveling
the US for 35 years. But I noticed this for the
first time during this mandate. Obviously! If you
have been in the office for several months, you
don't go to a restaurant every night. I'll grab a
sandwich or a bowl on my way home from the
office.
Actually, I'm still in the culture pitfall. My first
reaction (only with "takeaway," not in a restaurant
and not with delivery service) is "No."
Why should I give a tip for standing in line at
the counter, choosing, ordering, paying, picking
up, and leaving? But then I always give
a gratuity because I hope it will help increase
the employees' pay. By the way, my American
team members are also stunned by this development.
This tipping development is welcome to stay
in the US! I'm (almost always) happy for the
staff. But – it doesn't need to come to Europe.
Please stay in the US!
Photo: © spirit2 / depositphotos.com
Photo: © Valentyn_Volkov / depositphotos.com

Greetings
Today: Greetings in Everyday Life
What feels good, pleasant, and joyful? Hey -
how are you doing? Welcome! How are you doing
today? Howdy! Great to see you. Thank you
for shopping with us. Hope to see you again
soon. Have a great day. Take care!
Many who are critical of the States have criticized
these greetings as superficial. They are
(allegedly) "not real." Me? I love it when someone
greets me nicely, politely, and attentively.
And also says a friendly goodbye. I like that
very much. It's doing something to me. It is
uplifting and has a positive effect.
I like that very much in the US. And when I experienced
it again in this mandate, I realized I
missed it. And I will miss it again in Germany.
Unfortunately, in Germany, I encounter many
people - from all walks of life and generations
- often as greeting grouches. People come into
a bakery, stand in line, and can't open their
mouths.
No "Good morning" or "Howdy"! The willingness
when someone enters a shop to greet, to
say "Hello," to exchange two or three pleasantries
seems to be becoming less and less common
in Germany.
So it's even more refreshing in the US to hear
a "Howdy" or "Hey - how are you doing?" from
and with people in hotels, in small towns on
the street, at the bakery, or the supermarket
checkout.
In this spirit:
Take care!
Have a good day!
Be well!
Stay well!
Photo: © pixelheadphoto / depositphotos.com

Interesting Facts & Figures
Survey:
Worries about the Climate
Climate change is a serious problem - say:
USA
Germany
0 25 50 75
Source: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.
Renting vs. Owning
Percentage of households who rent their home
USA
Germany
36 % 54 %
Source: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

Transatlantic Survey:
Influence in Europe
Which country is most influential in Europe?
Answers in the USA
Answers in Germany
23 %
Germany
UK
France 5 %
11 %
UK
48 %
20 %
other
answers
other
answers
13 %
71 %
Germany
9 %
France
Americans and Germans rate Germany's role in Europe very differently — results from the “Transatlantic
Trends” study by the German Marshall Fund and Bertelsmann Foundation.
Source: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. / Transatlantic Trends - GMF and Bertelsmann Foundation
USA AND GERMANY
Economic Relationship
685.886
882.174 $ 373 B
$ 148 B
USA in DE Jobs
DE in USA Jobs
USA in DE Investments
DE in USA Investments
Source: Wilson Center Transatlantic Economy 2021 (2019 figures)

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