Hidden cultural differences that can make or break your U.S. success
What Successful Dutch Entrepreneurs Know About Working with Americans
About a year ago, I worked with a Dutch expat who had just moved to the U.S.
She told me she didn’t need intercultural communication training, after all, in the two weeks she’d been in the U.S., she hadn’t noticed any major differences. She’d even met a few other Dutchies who felt the same.
A few months later, she came back to me, frustrated. Projects were stalling, colleagues seemed enthusiastic but didn’t follow through, and her straightforward approach wasn’t getting the results she expected.
That’s when I knew she was ready to dive deeper, to understand the cultural differences between the Dutch and Americans, and how to bridge them effectively.
Because what often feels like no difference at first can quickly become a source of friction later: when projects stall, feedback is misunderstood, opportunities are lost, or communication starts to break down.
Hidden Differences
Here are five subtle U.S./Dutch differences that can surprise even the most experienced entrepreneurs, and how to use them to your benefit.
1.Being too direct
In the Netherlands, honesty is valued. In the U.S., diplomacy is. What feels “clear” to you may come across as blunt or confrontational to your American colleagues.
=>Tip: Soften your feedback with positive framing: start with what does work before addressing what doesn’t.
2. Underestimating hierarchy
Dutch organizations are flat; American ones are not. Decisions in the US often require buy-in from senior leadership, even when your direct contact agrees.
=>Tip: Make sure your contact has the authority to make a decision, or is in the sphere of influence of the decsion maker
3. Skipping the small talk
Many Dutch find small talk superficial and a waste of time, but for Americans it builds connection and trust.
=>Tip: Spend a few minutes chatting about the weekend, family, or travel before diving into business, it strengthens collaboration later. Check local news or sports sites so you have something to mention; a simple comment like “I heard it was quite a game last night!” can open the door to genuine rapport.
4. Downplaying achievements
Dutch modesty (“Doe maar gewoon”) doesn’t translate well in the U.S. If you don’t talk about your results, others might assume they weren’t that impressive.
=>Tip: Share your successes confidently and factually. It’s expected, not arrogant.
5. Expecting instant honesty
Americans often wrap criticism in positivity. There are no problems, just challenges to be resolved! So “That’s interesting” may actually mean “I don’t agree.”
=>Tip: Listen for tone and nuance. Summarize and ask open questions to clarify what’s really meant.
Turning awareness into success
As we worked together, this Dutch expat began to realize that the way she had judged Americans was unfair, and to understand why she had formed those opinions in the first place.
Now, a year later, she emailed me to introduce me to one of her colleagues, writing:
“This is an absolute must if you want to understand why Americans do what they do, and how to leverage these almost invisible differences.”
I couldn’t have been happier to receive that email, knowing I had made an impact.
Ready to bridge the gap?
Join my workshop “Working Successfully with Americans”, or organize an inhouse workshop. You will learn how to turn these Dutch American differences into advantages, with real-life examples, interactive exercises, and practical strategies you can apply right away! Click here to be notified of the next workshop (February 2026) or schedule a call to discuss customized in house options.