Spit It Out, Sweden!

Meetings in Sweden are...different.

First of all forget about decisions being the most important part of the meeting, 'cos that's history muchachos. 

This is Sweden.

First, it's customary to have a lot of small talk, bring in a coffee and laugh a bit so we're all friends. 

Eventually the reason for calling the meeting is reluctantly invoked. The aim of the meeting itself is often loosely defined in the style of "let's-vaguely-talk-about-this-rough-topic-till-we-collectively-attain-a-mind-melding-Eureka-moment". 

AND LO! THE SWEDISH COVEN DOTH CONVENE! 'Tis time for the most sacred 'Sharing of All the Opinions of Everyone'. 

Progress. Is. Slow. 

All opinions are supposed to count equally (irrespective of job roles) and most organisations have flat hierarchies, so no one wants to take the lead (that would be displaying too much authority which is anathema to Swedes). 

Everyone is probably feeling a bit uncomfortable at this stage, what with all that potential conflict hanging in the air like some dark, malignant cloud descending ever closer to poison everybody’s Fika Funtimes. 

And after all, everyone's opinion has been expressed. So something's been achieved, right? 

So that's enough, surely? Decisions can wait. Far safer to put it off to the next meeting. Scheduling the next meeting is accomplishment enough. The Wheels of Corporate Democracy have turned. Job well done!

Ah look, it's fika time! :-)