Cultural Commandments - Russia

The disintegration of the Soviet Union with its infinite variety - ‘a riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma’ according to Churchill - has enabled us to focus more clearly on the Russians themselves. We make a mistake, though, if we lump Soviet ideology and the Russian character together. The soul of Russia was forged through its vastness and a particularly harsh climate, where small isolated groups, lacking in resources and cut off from potential allies, were easy prey for those with ambitions to rule, and where collectivism meant survival.

Among the Russian characteristics that have emerged from this complex historical and geographic context are a distrust of officialdom, stoicism in adversity, as well as a warmth, depth, and an unrivalled understanding of the mysterious workings of the human soul. Russians also have an Asian sense of the long cycles of nature and fortune.

Here are ten ‘Cultural Commandments’ which should help you to interact effectively with Russians:

1. Be patient

The motto of General Kutuzov who defeated Napoleon was ‘Patience and Time,’ according to Tolstoy. Russians respect the wisdom of patience that tends to come with age. Waiting can give you the chance to plan several moves ahead. Remember Russian skill at chess.

2. Be personal

For Russians, the ‘organisation’ is one thing, but two humans talking face to face at a personal level are the reality. Get a Russian on your side personally and you have a trusting loyal friend who will conspire with you to beat the system, using their networks.

3. Be clear and explicit

Russians like business proposals from foreigners spelled out clearly. If presenting to them in a professional situation, do not spend too much time on niceties, background or detailed PowerPoints. They want you to get to the crux of why you are really there, what you can offer, and to decide whether they like and trust you and want to start business relations with you.

4. Be firm

Although you should be clear about your aims, it is wise to aim higher than your acceptable goals. They will. And you should stand firm in the face of opposition, without giving concessions too early or too easily. But you should be careful not to go too far by over-playing your strong cards, or talking down to them. Be firm, but kind.

5. Remember the power of the spoken word

In general, Russians are more willing to believe rumours and what is spoken than official written statements and documents. A promise to a business partner with whom you have built a trusting friendship may carry more weight than a printed contract.

6. Be prepared for some soul-searching

Russians are deep and indulge in soul-searching and love long conversations. They are more interested in your hopes, fears and aspirations as a fellow human than in your immediate business. Their novels, poetry and plays are almost unparalleled in their depiction of what it is to be human.

7. Expect some theatricality and sentiment

Russians are people-orientated rather than influenced excessively by rationality and logic. They may be moved more by moments of drama and outbursts of what less emotional cultures may see as sentimentality, than by scientific facts. They know the potential for a theatrical moment when they see it and will grasp it readily.

8. Be ready for a more collective approach

Although dissidence hits the headlines, it is in general not popular with Russians. Security has historically been found in group, conformist behaviour. Do not try to separate a Russian from his or her ‘group’ whatever that may be.

9. Remember Russians’ essential conservatism

Russians are cautious and tend to distrust change, frequently with good cause. So apply the first commandment.

10. Be aware of extreme contrasts

With its St. Petersburg white nights and dark cold winters, its tension between European and Asian thinking, its staggering new wealth and coexistent poverty, Russia is a land of sharp contrasts. There is undeniably still plenty of change in the air, but the contrasts have always been there, as inevitably as the extreme climate and the necessity of contrast in a land mass so vast.

For more cultural information about Russia and other countries, take a look at Richard D. Lewis' classic work, When Cultures Collide, now in its third edition.

Note: this is an edited version of an article which originally appeared in The Diplomat.

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