Having a global mindset means different thin things to Americans and Chinese. From a U.S. point of view, having global mindset indicates a natural curiosity about other cultures, the ability to get outside our base culture, and to see the world through someone else’s eyes. From a Chinese point of view, having global mindset might mean following Chinese customs and culture while incorporating western concepts into their business systems, practices, and processes. It becomes less an action of putting on someone else's glasses, and more actually blending other shades of color with ones own.
Chinese and U. S. children grow up with different values. What is characteristic of a good Chinese child? The Chinese traditional culture values obedience. What is characteristic of a good American child? U.S. Americans value independence and creative thought. These early expectations carry into adulthood, into the culture, and finally are brought with them Into the workplace.
The Western practice of brainstorming sessions brings to light some key differences in practice between the two cultures. Westerners expect people to think out of the box on their own, and to participate in brainstorming sessions. These expectations will often fall flat in a Chinese context until there is mutual trust among participants. Building this trust takes time. Acquiring this trust might require having lunch with individuals, getting to know them personably and showing interest in their families.
U.S. employees would understand their U.S. leader’s expectation of brainstorming, so they offer ideas, thinking they are participating in creating synergy. They have a sense
of many people contributing, and out of the many, they create something new. Chinese may be uncomfortable when pushed to get involved. In fact, they might just sit quietly on the sidelines. if U.S. leaders want the Chinese viewpoint, patiently working to develop this trust and synergy over time is important.
Chinese people are not trained to question authority or discuss ideas. They may feel vulnerable when asked to make comments that may criticize current policies or authorities. They may also feel uncomfortable verbalizing ideas that are not fully formed.
Chinese value the act of taking time for personal reflection to find clear solutions. If U.S. leaders recognize this and take steps to help their Chinese employees engage in discussion, They will be more likely to gain more Chinese participation. This means building trust individually before asking anyone to share in public. While Americans often jump at the chance to shout their contributions loudly across a meeting room, Chinese people won't share their true feelings or what they think in any public, group environment where they feel unsafe. The Chinese perspective of a brainstorming session is that "You have a brain? but no storm." They prefer to study and weigh the information and come to their own conclusions.
摘录于：《Global Mindset Leadership》
作者：Dr.Gary Ranker Donny Huang Marilyn Mcleod
