How is it the French seem so critical? There is a reason: l'esprit critique, a technique of examining and discussing ideas the French learn in school and that some expats call 'analysis paralysis'. But you can learn it too - and you may end up finding it a creative process.

Michael, a sales manager in the French office of a multinational, recounts his experience with a commercial prospect: “After I laid out the benefits and attributes of our new services, I was told that these would never work. Hearing that, I left only to learn later that they were actually quite interested in what we were developing. How do you explain that? Why is it that the French seem so negative?!!!”

How many expatriates can relate to Michael? They resent having their contributions challenged or their action plans received in what seems a negative, critical way. And yet, there is an explanation to what is perceived as French negativism!

L’esprit critique

This French concept explains how attitudes foreigners may perceive as critical actually reflect a process of intelligent, logical thought.

Our Culture Coach, Nathalie Kleinschmit of Global