America and Britain, as countries go, have a great deal in common. But, as George Bernard Shaw once said, "Americans and Britons are cousins separated by a common language." There may be many ways we are alike, but there are a few key differences.

Unfortunately, our similarities tend to mask the disparities, sometimes making working together a frustrating experience. Here are eight tips to help Yanks fare better when collaborating with Brits.

1. Leave the Revolution at Home and Listen

While many of America's traditions can be traced to their British roots, Britons also have aristocratic and class-based traditions that Americans revolted against. So when working with Brits, it's best to leave the down-home, get-it-done, American work ethic at home. Don't force things without first explaining the "why" behind the "how."

For the British, precedent is powerful; you have to prove your suggestion will succeed before they will give up their ways. Americans sometimes seem far too enthusiastic or unwilling to appreciate how things can be done a little differently. Listen to what they have to say.

2. Prim and Proper Can Go a Long Way

Until you have established a smooth working relationship or have learned that your company culture is on the relaxed side, stay formal when addressing British associates.

Traditionally, only certain classes occupy certain positions in society and business. Things have changed quite a bit, but to be on the safe side, especially when addressing new clients, do not use first names or act overly familiar until invited to do so. If you are introduced to aristocracy, for example, be sure to use the correct title. If on the person's business card you see a line through the printed title, this indicates you need not show deference to it.

3. Lose the Power Tie

Men should leave the striped tie at home. A striped tie in Britain may represent a particular private school (referred to as "public school" in Britain), and you do not want to be identified as a member of such if you're not.

4. When the English are Not

People from England are English, people from Scotland are Scots (scotch is a whisky) and people from Wales are Welsh. The Scots and Welsh are not English and vice versa. All of the above are technically British, all living on the island of Britain. If you add in Ulster or people from Northern Ireland, you have the citizens of the United Kingdom's four major political entities. The Republic of Ireland is an independent nation and none of its citizens are British. These distinctions are very important, and people in the UK can be very sensitive to them.

5. Get a Sense of Humor

The British are known for their dry, somewhat sarcastic, witty and self-deprecating sense of humor. Americans may sometimes find the humor too biting, but it is meant to wittily amuse. Take it in the spirit in which it is given: As a way to build a relationship and enjoy a good time.

Conversely, Brits can find Yanks too ingratiating, always emphasizing what is similar between the two cultures. The American need to fit in and be liked can seem uninteresting and insincere. Americans should be real, ready to reveal their true feelings in friendship and not be afraid of differences when building relationships.

6. You Say Tomato; I Say…

British-English and American-English can be quite different. Watch out for such minefields as "Let's table this idea"; in Britain it means to bring the idea up for immediate discussion. In Britain, "strike out" means to go off and try to succeed at something. And "I'll knock you up in the morning," contrary to what you might think, is merely an announcement that you'll give a wake-up call in the a.m.

7. All Hail the Queen

Avoid giving unsolicited opinions about the Royal family, the British economy, the headlines in the Daily Mail or any other sensitive issue. Just as you might not appreciate an uninformed comment about things American, it's equally not appreciated when Americans, ignorant of things British, announce their opinions. Inquire instead. You may, however, comment on the weather; Britons complain about it all the time.

8. We Are Not All That

Finally, consider what one anonymous Brit once said about America: It is the only culture to have gone from the primitive to the decadent without ever having passed through the civilized. While a fine example of British humor, the truth is worth digesting. While the US may be a main player on the world stage today, the Brits coauthored the script for more than a thousand years. Been there, done that and still here.