Think Canadian business culture is the same as in the U.S.? Think again. Here are some subtleties worth taking note of.

Tone it down. According to Dean Foster, president of Dean Foster Associates, the enthusiasm Americans feel for achievement and risk-taking is not generally matched by Canadians. He says Canadians have developed a slower pace and more cautious approach to life and work, as well as a greater emphasis on organization and detail.

Check the dress code. Most Canadian executives, says Foster, would wear a sport jacket at the office and put a tie on for dinner, while American executives might wear that business suit during the day and remove the tie for the restaurant.
Greet with care. The experts at ExecutivePlanet.com say it’s best to wait for Canadian colleagues to take the lead when moving to a first-name basis. And although French Canadians often use first names over the telephone, they may revert to using surnames in person.

Take it slow. Negotiating styles in Canada are frequently similar to those in the United States, but the pace may be slightly slower, according to ExecutivePlanet.com. Be patient.