Jenny Zhu

Archive for the ‘cultural differences’ Category

Rust Belt Humor in China and America

A few days ago, I overheard a fascinating discussion about Chinese and American sense of humor. While many concur that comparing the two are like comparing apples to oranges, there seems to be an amazing convergence, that of the Rust Belt, the Northeastern parts of both countries. They have produced the nations’ most celebrated comedians and helped shape the nation’s sense of humor. In China, the undisputed king of comedy is Zhao Benshan/赵本山 (pictured above with his disciple and sidekick) who has the noble task of entertaining the entire country on CCTV’s Spring Festival gala. He hails from a small town in China’s Rust Belt. Originally a local 二人转/errenzhuan performer ( a local comedy style that features 2 comedians performing), he exploded on the national stage with his comedy rooted in blue-collar and peasant wholesomeness but galvanized by sharp sarcasm directed at inequities in the society, a sentiment widely shared by China’s masses.

More on China’s Rust Belt. It refers to the region once known as Manchuria which now includes the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jiling and Liaoning. These places are marked by vast wilderness and punishing climate. They were also China’s heavy industry hub after the founding of the P.R.C. However, similar to the fate of America’s Rust Belt, China’s Dongbei (meaning Northeast) was in the doldrums in the early 90’s when large state owned firms underwent restructuring, throwing a large portion of the population out of work. However, the courageous people of Dongbei, with “their rustic manners and boisterous camaraderie—washed down with 120-proof grain alcohol—adapted the spirit to the 21st Century with new ways of thinking” (quote from the Nine Nations of China, the Atlantic).  And many of them turned to the grass root 二人转/errenzhuan comedy for inspiration. Song Xiaojun, China’s prominent cultural and military commentator (yes, that’s right) has said that unemployment and 二人转/errenzhuan performances peaked at the same time in Dongbei. His analysis was that comedy helped people get through the harsh times and also offered an idea for entrepreneurial attempts. Many who were blessed with the talent became amateur 二人转/errenzhuan performers, while others opened performance venues, now an important part of the region’s economy and cultural identity.

Would the same happen in America’s Rust Belt?

A Nation of Self-medicators

A few days ago, an American friend announced that he was leaving Shanghai due to a chronic stomach problem. In the midst of hugs and good wishes, Chinese friends started to eagerly offer remedies passed down from grandparents or introduce him to qigong masters who could cure all sorts of illnesses.  This got me thinking that the Chinese are firm believers of self-medicating using TCM as our knowledge reserve.

In many ways, TCM with its use of herbal medicines, everyday food items, massage and acupuncture lends itself quite well to ‘do-it-yourself’ style exploration. People frequently turn to ‘pedestrian’ remedies as an alternative source of help to cure or at least ease certain conditions. For example, in the face of a flu breakout, we turn to vinegar by putting a bowl of vinegar in open air in the house. Supposedly, vinegar helps kill virus. This doesn’t mean that people abandon professional treatment. What it means is that people here overwhelmingly supplement Western style treatment with Chinese philosophy and practice that are beneficial in the long haul. I am sure this is similar across societies with long history and civilization where people have developed an efficient system of maintaining health and well being using traditional wisdom.

Getting back to the story of my friend, what also struck me is how people gave medical advice, with full conviction and confidence that it is going to work. I on the other hand refrained myself for fear that my family remedy might do him more harm than good. Maybe I have watched too much American court room drama to think that a friendly piece of advice could turn into a potential law suit.

How Not to Get Duped in China

I am sure you have received calls from ‘financial advisers’ and emails of inheriting a fortune from a distant relative. Ever since I started to register my own business, I have received tons of calls from swindlers, making up a plethora of lies ranging from ridiculous to highly skilled. If you live in China, this unfortunately is a fact of life. I hope some of my experiences could help you be more aware.

Top 3 lies:

1. I am the local tax authority. New businesses need to receive tax training (which is true). The training is free (hook), but you need to pay for books. I will courier them to you. You pay the courier man. (ha, definitely a scam).

2. I am Google (or Baidu) ’s sales rep. We are offering a limited time promotion to promote your site.

3. I am from the local commerce bureau. We have an orientation course for new businesses. You need to attend.

Special attention: if you use an agent to handle your registration process as many do, pay a bit more and choose a trustworthy one (although price is no indicator of integrity). I have known people whose agent disappear overnight, causing them to lose not only money but also time.

An easy way to tell if you are talking to a scammer is through phone numbers. If they are using a cell phone number, it is a scam for sure. And finally, as a rule of thumb, always always be doubtful when you receive calls from ‘authorities’. They are scams 99.9% of the time. Although I did once ignore several calls from China Telecom and end up missing the internet upgrade.

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

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@suixuntong.com

Managing Your Team in China: Interview with Peter Bomer

 

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.