Oh, how beautiful Panama is
Millions of children in Germany have grown up with this slogan and have seen on television how Tiger and Bear search for the promised land of Panama, only to discover in the end that it is most beautiful at home. Obviously, this slogan has caused a sensation worldwide and the government of Panama has also done everything it can to make their country as beautiful as possible. And those who couldn’t come themselves could at least send their money there. Intercultural differences did not play a role, indeed there is a wonderful unanimity of all cultures that does not exist in business practice. There seem to be no differences in the country off-shore. Why don’t we all emigrate to places where culture, race or religion are irrelevant?
A special kind of encounter
When business partners from different cultural backgrounds meet, it is advisable to adapt to these differences. This applies in particular to secondments, but also to negotiations. It is clear to everyone that the negotiating style sometimes differs dramatically between New York, London, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Shanghai or Tokyo. Ultimately, however, these differences become blurred, because it’s always about business and that leads to revenue, i.e. money that has to flow somewhere. And no matter what color the bills are or which important personalities are depicted on them, in the end everyone meets in a warm tropical country whose palm trees and beaches give the impression of the ideal place, in the tradition of the tiger and bear. In addition, red, blue or yellow bills often transform and all take on the same color and shape, a mixture of green, brown and gray, from which distinguished American personalities look out at us. They are gathered under the benevolent gaze of Benjamin Franklin or George Washington and the term greenback, i.e. green back, does not have an ecological meaning here for once. On the other hand, the fact that you don’t always have to send banknotes to Panama is more ecological because it saves paper; a simple electronic transfer is sufficient. Admittedly, this transaction is often carried out via many branched corners, which sometimes makes things complicated, but at least it only costs a little electricity.
All animals are equal – but some animals are more equal
George Orwell already suspected it. His animals evolve like us humans. Tigers and bears have never gone through this process and are therefore happy with their simple lives. And just as tigers and bears never found their way to Panama, not all citizens can do so. You have to be a little more “equal” to enjoy these privileges. Those who have a lot to send and the right contacts are “more equal”. After all, it takes clever helpers to park their beautiful bills under the sun and palm trees. The trick is that not everyone is allowed to know that you can do this. And if no one knows, sometimes you don’t have to hand over any of the nice bills. The “appearance” is thus preserved. The only bad thing is when news of the promised land of Panama gets around and the “same animals” find out about it, because after all, the “more equal animals” have always told them that the country off-shore is a bad place to avoid at all costs. It’s nice at home too, and to keep it that way, every citizen should do their bit, including financially. It’s just stupid when these prophets of all people now have to admit that the country off-shore is not a country at all, but rather a club for distinguished members. And of all people, only those who could contribute the most to keeping things nice at home can buy a ticket to this club. Of course, the others don’t find that funny at all.
Legal, illegal, whatever
Many club members come from the time when the old Sponti slogan of the 70s was in circulation. It didn’t refer to money, but modern society demands creativity and the discovery of new ways, techniques and interpretations. How wonderful that the educational efforts have been so successful and have helped Panama to flourish. It’s just a shame that the members of the “Panama Club” themselves have issued and propagated the rules that are supposed to keep the “equals” away from the country off-shore. Indeed, those who crossed its borders were even persecuted and severely punished if they were caught. What will happen now? Withdrawal of “club cards” for members? Reintegration of the “equals” into the mass of the “equals”? Shame and imprisonment for the villains? Oh well, in the end it will probably be the case that some people will have to lose a few feathers. But even with a few less feathers, you can still fly. Tigers and bears don’t care about that. There is no money in their world and all the inhabitants are nice and interesting creatures with one or two endearing quirks. The legendary Panama is nothing more than a sticker on a banana box and remains a symbol of dreams that can ultimately be realized at home. In the same way, the “equals” may dream that the “off-shore club” will be closed. The “equals” will first be ashamed and then find new ways to resurrect Panama elsewhere. Humans remain true to themselves and George Orwell’s vision keeps repeating itself, as it has always done. And it doesn’t seem to change just because someone wrote it down.
Would you like to make money?
Do you also dream of a Panama? It always starts with the sweat and toil of doing business. This includes negotiations. Those who know their way around and negotiate skillfully will be successful internationally and can then enjoy the fruits of their success. But keep it like the tiger and the bear. Leave Panama to the dreamers who still think they can get away with it forever.
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Intercultural negotiation training
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