Sounds culturally biased. From working in northern Europe and especially with people from Scandinavian countries, I'd say that for each of those examples the 'w

Sounds culturally biased. From working in northern Europe and especially with people from Scandinavian countries, I'd say that for each of those examples the 'wrong' choice would be the more likely to be exchanged and taken at face value. Whereas when I work with people from the US a lot of fluff is always needed or offense may be taken. Just as the article purports. And there is also body language. Here is one of my favorite exchanges I once witnessed, between two senior leaders, one Spanish, one Finnish, after a few beers at a company party. I leave it to the inclined reader to guess who is from which country. Sergio (gesticulating, grinning): Lauri, why don't you use your hands more when you're talking? Lauri (hands flat on the table, straight face): Because it's not efficient.