US Business Culture: Deadline Deception

In Denmark, people love planning in advance, and sometimes they’ll set a work deadline far in advance.

Let’s say it’s May now, and a Dane says, I need this report done by September 1. He may not follow up at all in the meantime, simply expect the report to be delivered on September 1.

But Americans think that if you haven’t followed up, you’ve forgotten about it, or other priorities have become more important.

If you give Americans a long deadline, keep reminding them, or I can promise you – it won’t get done.

Kay Xander Mellish is the author of "Working with Americans: Tips for Danes" and "Working with Danes: Tips for Americans," available on books.howtoliveindenmark.com or on Amazon, Google Books, Apple Books, Saxo Books, and Barnes and Noble Nook.

You can also check out the audiobooks on Amazon Audible, Mofibo/Storytell, Nextory, and BookBeat.

Book Kay for an in-person or virtual event at events.howtoliveindenmark.com.

Learn more at Amerikansk.dk.