- Lithuanians prefer face-to-face meetings, as they need to build relationships of mutual understanding.
- They prefer to turn business relationships into friendships.
- Accept offers of hospitality and reciprocate, as this is the sign of a true friend.
- Once a friendship has developed, Lithuanians are willing to discuss business.
- It is important to make your initial contact with a high-ranking person who is in a position to make a decision.
- In many ways this is still a hierarchical culture, so showing respect and deference to people of authority is recommended.
- Although they are industrious and hard working, most Lithuanians are very modest. Those people who boast and brag, are deemed arrogant.
- At the same time, Lithuanians are impressed by titles of authority and advanced university degrees, so it is a good idea to let them know your status within your company.
- Lithuanians speak softly.
- They are not particularly emotive speakers.
- They do not touch others while speaking and can appear standoffish and reserved upon the initial meeting.
- It is important that you do not display anger, even if frustrated by the excessive bureaucracy.
- They do not interrupt others while they are speaking, and patiently wait for their turn.
- Many Lithuanian companies adhere to a hierarchical structure. In such cases, senior-level businessmen only speak with people of their same rank.
- More junior members of a team should not address a senior-ranking Lithuanian businessperson directly, as it is seen as a breach of etiquette.
- Appointments are necessary and should be scheduled 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
Send a list of people who will be attending and their titles, so that Lithuanians can assemble a team of people at similar level. - Confirm any meeting when you arrive, and again, a day before a meeting. Meetings are sometimes cancelled on short notice.
- Punctuality is important, so arrive on time.
- Meetings are formal.
- There will be a period of small-talk while your colleagues get to know you and decide if you are the type of person with whom they wish to enter into a business relationship.
- Business moves slowly due to the bureaucratic nature of society.
- Be prepared to meet with several lower levels of people before getting to the actual decision maker.
- Lithuanians often use time as a tactic, especially if they know that you have a deadline. Be cautious about letting your business colleagues know that you are under time pressure or they will delay even more.
- Lithuanians will not be rushed into making a deal. They must think it is in their best interest before agreeing.
- Meetings often conclude with a summary of the discussion and a toast to future dealings.
- www.kwintessential.co.uk