Structuring Work the American Way: Efficiency, Punctuality & Results

I’ve often been struck by how different the approach is when it comes to structuring daily work in France and the United States.

Americans place a high value on time and efficiency, which can sometimes feel unsettling or even seem “rude” to a French person who typically emphasizes the emotional side of interactions (perceived as cold or harsh). 💬
Here in the US, everyone is focused on business - there’s no room for emotions.
Today, I’m sharing some practices I’ve incorporated into my own management style that reflect my very Anglo-Saxon, ultra-pragmatic culture! 💪

🕰️ Efficient Meetings
In the US, meetings start and end on time - no waiting for latecomers. Only the topics on the agenda are addressed, and no irrelevant participants are invited (“zero meeting bloat” & “no brain drain”). You’re expected to come prepared and to contribute actively with actionable insights. If not, the meeting might get canceled (I’ve done this with my teams before, after warning them twice). An American prospect won’t reframe the meeting if you make these mistakes! Here, wasting time is wasting money! 💰

⏰ Punctuality
Being on time means arriving early! It’s expected to be online or present 2 minutes in advance. Otherwise, you’re considered late and rude, or even worse, seen as unreliable or untrustworthy.
During the last 5-10 minutes of a meeting (meetings rarely last more than 45-50 min, similar to US college classes - usually there is a time keeper), we confirm next steps, clear up misunderstandings, and make sure everyone is aligned before wrapping up.

🚨 Responsiveness & 📧 Follow-up
Meeting notes and follow-ups are sent immediately afterward in bullet point format, with clear SMART(ER) actions (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Evaluated, and Reviewed). 🚀
Responding within 24 hours is the standard - even on weekends. Here, the customer is king. It’s not just a marketing slogan. A quick follow-up (even just to acknowledge receipt, with a brief summary of the next steps, shows your professionalism and keeps your counterpart engaged and confident in you. 👥

🔄 Flexibility & Adaptability 🧘‍♀️
The market evolves rapidly, and the environment is highly competitive. In the United States, it’s essential to be able to adjust strategies quickly to adapt - or even anticipate - changing needs/ behaviors. Initiative and the ability to pivot are highly valued. That’s why Americans love OKRs and KPIs 😉 — long live data-driven business management 😍!

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