Foreign Managers in China: Real Stories of Trials, Tribulations and Triumph

Jenny Zhu Posted in business, China, cultural differences, interviews, management, Uncategorized，
02 March 2009
1

The title of this post happens to be the theme of the Suixuntong interview series.  It will feature conversations with foreign managers in China who face dual challenges of management and culture.

The inspiration came from enlightening conversations in restaurants and bars where friends (and often my own bosses) speak candidly about their frustration, bewilderment and joy of being a manager in China. These real life stories tell the most down to earth experiences and carry practical and overreaching implications for fellow managers (and employees).

I have known and worked for some great foreign managers in China. They are able to build and lead effective teams because they work particularly hard to understand their staff’s perception, action and motivation shaped by the socio-cultural context. They are the ones who go beyond than just saying ‘why don’t my staff get it’. They observe, communicate and reflect to find a better approach.  I hope their stories will help you get the most out of your team in China. And I look forward to hearing your stories in the interview. Feel free to contact me  jennyzhu at suixuntong.com

Managing Your Team in China: Interview with Peter Bomer

Jenny Zhu Posted in business, China, cultural differences, interviews, management，Tags: , , ,
02 March 2009
3

peter1

[podcast http://jennyzhu.com/podcasts/SXT001_Pete...[/podcast]

Aside from theories and methodologies, what does it actually take to be an effective manager in China? If you have lived and worked here for 2 months, you already have fascinating and resonating stories more incisive and in-depth than books on the subject generally tell.

In this inaugural podcast, I talk to Peter Bomer. Peter was the Marketing Director at Diageo (China) and the Asian Pacific Marketing Director for the Johnnie Walker brand. In 2006, he started his own radio production company Soulfire which now broadcasts in 5 major cities in China.

Peter has always believed that an effective team starts with ownership. But this basic concept meets unexpected setbacks in his team. Listen in on what Peter did to nurture ownership and get the most out of his team members. Caution: it will take a lot more work than you think or would like.

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