Day 15 (17-3-2009) - Chinese Etiquette

Today was pretty much the normal routine. The only difference was that our morning lesson was about Chinese Business Strategies and Social Etiquette.

Regarding this matter, the main thing you have to take note, is what Confucius said, “A man of honour insists on his principles but bears with others’.” We must be Respectful, Tolerant, Credible, Wise and Beneficial. And it’s all because of very direct and simple reasons.

People won’t insult you if you respect them.

People will support you if you are tolerant.

People will trust you if you are credible.

People will approach you if you are wise.

And people will help you if you are beneficial.

I find all these very real, and useful. Other than this we also learned Chinese salutations, customs of a visit, and dining practices. The only problem I found with these lessons was that they should have been thought to us way earlier than today. For more than 2 weeks I was clueless as to how to dine properly, greet properly or to put it straight, do anything properly. I recall the 2^nd day whereby I was seated at the same table as the dean of the school for lunch and had completely no idea what to do. I certainly wish that I did.