Read this if you work with an Israeli manager

Working under an Israeli manager may prove a challenge for the non-Israeli, although most people I have interviewed very much learnt to appreciate some of Israeli management quirks. Following are the top  things to expect, and a suggestion of what to do in italics.

  1. They expect their decisions to be questioned, so feel free to express your opinion, even after the decision was made.
  2. They work very hard and long hours, texting and emailing all the time. State your limits in no uncertain terms.
  3. They are compassionate so if you have a personal issue, open up and ask for time off, help, whatever. In return, they expect loyalty, eg, not quitting before an important milestone.
  4. They are not all that politically correct. Get used to it.
  5. Praise sounds like ‘not bad’. Never expect gushing praise, because that is seen as unreal and too American.
  6. Failure is an option so take risks. Don’t fear repercussion from failure. 
  7. Planning is seen as ok up to a point, but it’s also seen as a ritualistic waste of time. So plan yes, but don’t exaggerate. 
  8. They view process as nice to have, but human ingenuity as critical. Don’t hide behind a process you think is wrong.
  9. Israeli managers care more about content then pyrotechnics. Get the facts across as concisely as possible and as accurately as possible.
  10. Israelis are not patient people. Get to the point.

 

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