“Komma Överens”

“Att komma överens” means to agree or finding a common ground in Swedish and it’s the secret to the esoteric Nordic culture. It’s very important to agree with people in your close vicinity or at least avoid conflicts. The goal is hardly ever to reach the most cost-effective or productive solution but a solution that everyone can agree on. It’s a very consensus oriented society. Let’s be friends.

That doesn’t mean that people agree on everything but they don’t like to engage in direct and open conflicts. The dirtiest conflicts I’ve ever seen or been engage in have been Swedish. It’s backstabbing, gossiping and pretty much anything except for a direct and honest eye-to-eye encounter. It’s tip-toeing around subjects, people and uncomfortable issues. It can get very ugly and very personal.

The best resolution to this is to establish a clean and honest dialog from day one. Cut the crap, don’t get personal and stay honest. The truth will set you free. :)

PS. The impetus for this blog was a very positive interaction with a Swede this morning that triggered my long-term memory. My culturally sensitive ego reacted and registered this small expression.