What I learned on a business trip to Norway

sneak peak: I recently took a business trip to Oslo, Norway; here are some lessons I learned

I went on a business trip to Norway a few weeks ago, and wrote this for the company blog on my return. As it happens, it is surplus to requirements so luckily for us (that's me and you, reading) it's popping on here instead! Hope you like, hope you learn, hope you sign up to my mailing list.

Oslo's fearless girl! And me, balancing for better #balanceforbetter

Oslo in March is very cold. Luckily, it was frosty in weather only and the welcomes I received from my Norwegian chums were much warmer, making for an extremely enjoyable trip. While I was in the land of all things chilly, I noticed a few lessons that could be picked up from our Scandi counterparts.

1. Adapt to your surroundings
The Norwegians are a hardy bunch. Even in -11 degree weather complete with enormous snowflakes, they don't bat an eyelid (and not just because they're already squinting to keep the snow out of their eyes). Kit yourself out with suitably warm gear, pop a hat on, and you'll be fine. The Norwegians are not complainers, they just get on with it. Maybe we Brits could learn a thing or two and dispel some of our stereotypes while we're at it.

2. Work hard, play hard
Norway has one of the shortest working days in the world, which means the hours they do spend behind desks are incredibly busy, incredibly efficient and incredibly productive. One contact starts his working day at what would be the middle of the night for most of us, so that he can hit the slopes in the afternoon. Be economical with how you use your time, because if you want to play hard, you have to work hard first.

3. Caffeinate, and do so regularly
Potentially linked to their diligence during their concise and compact work days is the astonishingly high level of coffee consumed by Norwegians and other Scandinavians alike. If you're going to play hard, you need to be adequately fuelled to work hard, and caffeine is the diesel found in Norway's coffee cups.

4. Be direct
Direct, straight talking and clear; still friendly and kind but without unnecessary fluff. Enough said.

5. Gratitude isn't just for mindfulness journals
The main (and potentially most heartening) thing I noticed throughout the trip was how enthusiastic everyone was about the company I was representing. Every person I met was interested and engaged and welcomed me with open arms (and warm offices). It was lovely to see people voice their appreciation, because all too often in the UK we shout about the negatives and keep quiet on the positives (even if we do, paradoxically, have an obsession with please, sorry and thank you). The Norwegians I met were generous in their positivity, gratitude and general kind words and it was just really nice.

*All photos in this post are mine. If you wish to use any, please ask my permission and credit me.