Field notes
Notes from coaching rooms and induction floors
Short articles on meeting silence, Probezeit check-ins, buddy charters, and feedback phrasing—rooted in German workplace practice.
Reading silence in German meetings
When nobody speaks after a proposal, international hires often assume rejection. In many German teams, silence means something else entirely.
Probezeit check-ins that actually stick
Probation reviews fail when they are treated as a formality. Here is a rhythm that keeps expectations visible for both sides.
Buddy systems without the burden
Assigning a buddy is common. Making the role clear—and limited—is what keeps German onboarding from collapsing onto one helpful colleague.
Feedback phrases for mixed-nationality teams
Direct feedback is valued in many German workplaces. Mixed teams need shared phrases so honesty does not sound like an attack.