Company manners

Whether you’re a freelancer, business owner, or working your way into or up a corporate ladder, you’ll often be in situations where knowledge of the local business culture is essential to a successful outcome. Every country (and sometimes region) has its own socially accepted rules for doing business, often reflecting the wider attitudes and values of the local culture. These unspoken rules have a significant impact on the way that business is conducted. If you’re trying to get ahead in Barcelona there are a few things you should bear in mind.

An appreciation for the local language and culture are essential. Even if you work in a predominantly English-speaking environment, making sure that your language skills are up to scratch is a must. Steve Cahill of Global Executive commented that “although English is commonplace here, I often make negotiations in Spanish and I find that making the effort is much appreciated and respected”. You can certainly get by in Barcelona with just Castilian, but some knowledge of Catalan will also be well received. Locals anywhere enjoy a sound appreciation of their city, and showing an understanding of the local culture and language, and a desire to connect with it, is important. Sarah Bradley from the US has worked in Barcelona for 10 years, mostly in HR for international companies. Bradley has found that as her knowledge of the city and local culture has grown, her connections with people have become more natural. “Conversation just flows better when you have some common ground beyond the professional,” she said.

First impressions matter, so pay attention to how you greet people. Kissing on both cheeks is the usual way to greet a new social acquaintance, but it is not common practice in business unless you know the other party well. Play it safe and stick to a firm handshake unless your Spanish counterpart offers you a cheek. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the occasion too. Depending on the environment, the way people dress varies hugely. If you’re in the world of startups, informal is probably the way to go, regardless of whether you’re meeting a programmer, marketer or CEO. If you’re dealing in a more formal business environment, however, dress is still decidedly conventional and understated. Well-cut suits, polished shoes, smart accessories, and ties for men are the status quo and associated with professionalism.Although life here is more easygoing than in many countries, in the business world, the stereotype of long siestas and lack of punctuality should be left at the office door. Newcomers may think the beach lifestyle translates into a care-free work attitude, but that’s not the case. More offices are changing from the old horario partido—which involves a two to three hour lunch break during a punishingly long working day—to a continual timetable more in line with the rest of Europe. “There is a myth surrounding working life in Spain,” said Cahill. “Although in Andalusia temperatures can reach the mid-forties and it is impossible to work during the afternoon, this is not the case in Barcelona.” And, just like in any other country, punctuality is expected and appreciated. People are possibly more forgiving of lateness here, but you should still get there on time.

Don’t expect to carry out formal business over lunch. Strong personal bonds and mutual trust are part of Catalan culture and spending time on developing a good rapport with colleagues and partners is considered vital to business relations. While you may not be discussing the business at hand over lunch, know that it is important nonetheless. This is a time to relax, enjoy the food and connect with each other through conversation—you may touch on business, but there will be plenty of topics of conversation, from family and friends to your home country and football. Be open and friendly, but steer clear of potentially charged topics or stereotypes.

This investment in personal relationships and a desire not to rush things can lead to more drawn out negotiations. Even though a schedule may have been set in advance for meetings, it should be considered as more of a guideline than a rigid timetable. And there may be an amount of to-ing and fro-ing before conclusions are reached. “I have learned that patience is essential,” said Bradley. “When I first arrived I was used to a much faster, drier decision-making process. I realised early on that my attitude was actually hindering things as people thought I was rushed and unfriendly. This has been good for me. I’m a much more patient person now.”