Given that my boss is Scottish?
2007-04-28 00:21:46 · 17 answers · asked by coomraider 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Like all bosses, you should "observe" at first, don't talk unless you are spoken to, "mirror" the bosses's actions, and basically, "lay low", ie; don't bring attention to yourself, just be as invisible as possible. Think of this often repeated quote, Mark Twain, I think ... something like "better to remain silent at all possible times and make all observers 'think' you are a fool, rather than open your mouth and remove all doubt." The "passive aggressive" goal is to make YOUR listeners SHUT UP when you are speaking. If you don't speak often, and don't speak very loudly either... then when you do speak, people will listen. That is the goal, or it should be one of them on your list, to prioritize as you see fit for your life. After more than 40 years working, I wish someone would have given me this sincere advice. Also, perhaps you are just beginning a career, I advise to set your goal to never pay interest and to "earn" as much interest every year as possible and increase that amount every year, so when you get enough "passive" income, you don't have to worry about job, illness, etc....that should be a goal between generations... something to pass on to sons and daughters. Scotts are very thrifty. They do not like waste. They are fun loving and I read recently that they and France are two of the only countries that provide food & shelter for homeless, they have a social conscious, but don't count on your boss retaining this last Scottish trait, because I know that one drops off pretty quickly after a few years in the US. Interesting question.
2007-04-28 00:43:51 · answer #1 · answered by LuvDylan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is an interesting question and main issue is not so much about etiquette but about values. Different cultures believe in much the same things are valuable at work, but rate certain things higher than others.
Often the most important one in western countries is professionalism. That is, getting the job done.
One that might or not matter depends on your boss's personality is being friendly. If you are friendly most people feel comfortable seeing you and talking to you. Sometimes Americans I have worked with appear less friendly than people from other countries, with the Irish at the top, followed by Aussies and Scottish. The English too can be a bit stand offish.
Other things you might try and think about are things like teamwork, puncuality (most of my work places being on time is not important), hard working and so on.
When you start a job you have to figure out the work place culture. Many people joining the civil/public service find that hard work is a no no, while hanging around for long hours doing nothing is a good.
2007-04-28 00:35:33 · answer #2 · answered by flingebunt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main thing is not if your boss is scottish or finnish or anyone. The thing to note is what does your boss prefer. Is there any etiquette at work which he prefers (he might have talked about it the first day you joined the company). Make a note if it. Look at how your boss is dressed at work. Use your common-sense to judge what best suits that environment and go ahead. This is the logic of success anywhere you go.
2007-04-28 00:25:36 · answer #3 · answered by shekhar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure your boss would be really impressed to know you are asking this question! Scottish people should be treated no differently to anyone else. Just do your job well and that will be enough.
2007-04-28 00:26:59 · answer #4 · answered by Ginny Jin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't talk about haggis I did and now I have Rob Roy and William Wallace after me. It's OK though cos I have me aluminium foil round me head. Don't ever say welsh single malt is better. And never mention his/her sporran or even look at it.
If you follow all that advice you will be ok I think. Unless your a one legged woman from Bognor with a glass eye and a wig. Then you must watch your P's and Q's
2007-04-28 11:04:50 · answer #5 · answered by : 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As your boss is scottish do not ask for a raise in salary too soon, you will have to prove your worth.
2007-04-28 00:25:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good sense of humour is a must at work.. followed by some tea time jokes along with cookies will give you plus votes
2007-04-28 00:29:38 · answer #7 · answered by ncrtimes 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's expected that you bring them a Haggis once a week, wear a kilt at all times whilst singing 'flower of Scotland' and brandishing a thistle.
2007-04-28 00:25:14 · answer #8 · answered by P Biddy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you offer to get him a sandwich at lunch time, do not expect to be reimbursed as the Scots expect to be subsidised by the English.
2007-04-28 00:30:33 · answer #9 · answered by Clive 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, don't go around telling Irish jokes - Scots get pretty peeved off when you confuse them with the Irish!!!
2007-04-28 00:24:28 · answer #10 · answered by Michelle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋