I have spent years decoding American reference letters (and occasionally writing reference letters to American employers for British students). So I know there is a big difference in terms of what you say and don't say, and how you pitch it. However I still get blindsided.
Today I had a probation meeting with my new boss, who's American. In her email beforehand she said that probation itself was usually a formality, but that 'we should have a conversation'. I was absolutely bricking myself. Turned out she actually meant to have a conversation, about general stuff outside my work responsibilities to her.
An American friend of mine claims that 'we need to have a conversation' or 'we need to talk' wouldn't imply a bollocking, to an American reader. To me 'we need to talk' implies 'get ready to clear out your desk'!
So I was wondering - what differences are there between countries/cultures, in terms of management speak? Have you ever totally misunderstood something?