When in Rome… err, Paris…
August 21, 2010 3 Comments
A few days into my internship, I had already incurred the wrath of the top boss’ assistant. Why? Because I failed to say “bonjour” to her the first thing in the mornings!
In France, it’s customary to go around the open space saying hello to everybody in the morning. It’s also OK (or rather important) to chit chat with your colleagues around the coffee machine. And as someone who plopped herself in front of the computer immediately on arriving, I ran the risk of appearing anti-social and a misfit.
Companies look for people who fit into their culture. And this can be especially hard to do when you are working in a foreign country. And add to that the pressure of being a new intern in the organisation!
My tip? When in Rome, act like the Romans. Observe. Mime. Find a mentor. And if you make gaffes, apologise.
My first steps included saying hello with a bright smile to anybody that crossed my desk. Watching a football match in a meeting room crowded with half of the department (even though I had only a slight interest in it) made me feel like a part of the team. Lunches with colleagues at the office canteen allowed me to connect with them on a more personal level.
My goal today is to learn the right etiquettes and codes of conduct in order to be a perfect fit for the team – something that will surely add to the chances of me being recruited.
A company is about people, about human interactions and to thrive, you need to know the ropes!
Stuff you need to know while working in France:
- It’s OK to take long lunch breaks: one, one and a half hours is not shocking. Eating in front of your computer is for losers with no life.
- In July and August, everybody will go on leave. If you have important things to get done, you either do it before or wait until the summer ends.
- Work and life separation is very important for the French. After work happy hours are rare in most companies.
- Weekend is SACRED. Nobody will work on a weekend.
- People don’t work crazy hours but flexibility in works hours is not encouraged.
- You know how awkwardness descends when a stranger joins you in the elevator? Say a cheery “bonjour” and it vanishes like magic. No need to stand awkwardly in a corner pretending to be invisible.
- It’s OK to call your boss by his/her first name (usually), even when you’re an intern. Can be very hard for us South Asians.
Gauri, good tips. I think that if you are an introvert by nature then a start in a new place does seem a lil’ intimidating. i would really like to learn more from you about the French corporate life. i think your perspective should be very interesting as a south asian in France. i would like to read about some comparisons in the corporate cultures.
Your blog is getting more interesting, so happy for you!
Its true..
The same thing i’m facing right now..
Atleast I’m in India..and all my fellow members are Indians..
But sometimes you have to spend unnecessary time saying hellos to everyone and asking how they are..and that too, you very much know that they are fine and you are going to get the same replies with them..
socializing is very very important..
By the way, i love your blogs..Keep writing..
It was quite a surprise for me to read your blog. Yes sure what ever you have written is very exact but an INDIAN writing something good about France and French is astounding. I am absolutely amazed!!! Wow!!!!
I have lived in France for almost 2 decades and absolutely tired of giving the accurate version of these gorgeous people and exquisite places. In fact as soon as people learn that I live in France they go typically with the same thing…..French know English but do not speak so talk to them in Marathi then they will speak English, French are rude and they do not help tourists, French do not take bath and they stink. I do not understand whom these people go and interact with to have such bizarre and peculiar experiences. I never had thank god for that!