Yesterday, I went for a quick bite in town with an Italian and an Australian friend. A common complaint about France is the absence of a customer-oriented mindset, sprung out of bad habits contracted by long-standing state-owned enterprises.

Well, yesterday is a day to be marked in my Insead calendar. We picked a pleasant looking venue with tables outside. We indicated that we were in a hurry. I think that by the time we ordered and by the time we got served, less than 5 minutes elapsed. We got what we wanted, when we wanted. Everything was brought to our table with a smile and by a good-humored waiter.

Be careful with stereotypes. France is a lovely country and Paris one of the most beautiful cities I have come across.