An American expat's view: You're not in Kansas anymore. (Passport).(do your homework on business etiquette in Europe)(Brief Article)(Column)

"Remember, this isn't America; we do things differently here in Europe."

If I hear that phrase again on the job, I'm likely to froth in a fit of fury. After working for three years across six different European countries for three different companies (two in the past six months), that's one phrase I've heard more than a few times. But the truth is, it's true. The frustrating thing is, people assume I don't know that.

Believe it or not, the European business world doesn't think much of "the American manifest destiny." Yes, the United States is the world's economic and military powerhouse. Indeed, Europe does thank America for its assistance in WWII. And, when Bill …