Just a quick note: in the Chinese culture, saving face is very important so they have developed a technique of social lying to avoid losing face. Over the weekend, one of the students left campus, a huge no-no. She said she had to see about her sick son. When she returned and a staff member asked her about the sick son, the student drew a blank, apparently forgetting the lie. However, denied she had a massage even though the cupping marks were on her arms and legs. Stuck with her false story until the bitter end.
Each day, my classes have an exercise in a famous fairy tale or famous speech. Last week, I gave them the challenge to memorize the Gettysburg Address. They had three days and tonight had an hour open for students to come say their speech. Almost 30 accepted the challenge!!! These brilliant people, who already have 12-hour days and many hours of reading, found time to memorize this speech. Their reward?? A penny...which they are so proud of! Not only did they memorize the entire speech but recited it with feeling and passion. I was humbled, amazed, and honored!!
Yes, saving face. One of the biggest things to realize about Chinese culture--especially in business. Dax learned this quickly with his lathes. So, he has spent tons and tons of time there, in the manufacturing facilities, communicating "face to face" with them explaining that it is better to tell him of a mistake immediately before lathes are loaded on a container ship. :) This is why he has dinner with the managers, workers, etc in their homes. He holds their grandchildren, plays with their kids, etc. He is family and they are honest with him...
ReplyDeleteSo neat about them up to the challenge. You are an awesome person, Laura Whitaker. How inspiring...