Cultural traits and energy

Hi Rao! Great questions!

I am led to believe that it is about decision making processes.

Two emblematic examples from real life situations as an energy consultant.

The VP of a big American company with 8 plants spread out in Brazil said in the fvery first day: you were hired to identify and come up with alternatives to reduce our energy costs in Brazil). So I visited the plants, interviewed thier operations managers, got energy related info, talked to the local utility company and then crafted solutions that were presented a couple of month later.

This VP then organized a conf video call with Headquarters (US) so that these solutions were shared with all prties that were involved in the process. 

Then a decision was made.

A  Brazilian company through its maintenance manager asked we to help him about potential solutions. My diagnosis was very simple. The best bet would be using the existing emergency genset to displace the local utility company during the on-peak hours. The cost difference (savings to the client) were very hefty!

So this guy and I worked together. He wanted to make sure that all details were covered before preseting the caseto the VP. Then, half a year later, he was happy with what he gathered and asked me to go with him to the meeting with the VP. 

It was the quicked meeting in my life. Just a few minutes. The VP quickly told this manager: this project is not relevant for us. 

My point - with the articled I posted - is:it is very important to align perceptions and motivation before we start. 

Bottom line: having a clear understanding about the decision making process is vital for prperly allocating your time and energy! 

The developed countries are more focused. Emerging ones as Brazil, are far behind. It is about our cultural trait. It is about the value we give to "our time". My ssessment: Brazilians don't give the propoer value for "time". Wasting it is not - therefore - a problem!