Recently I had the privilege of working in Shanghai with Executive Performance Training. I realized first hand the reason many individuals believe “China will take over the world.” Not in the context of military or political power, which may or may not happen, but rather in the framework of human energetic power.
It has been my experience that when one steps out of their own culture and dives deeply into another culture a certain sense of clarity on both sides unveils. Much of our perception, particularly of foreign cultures, is based on the words and commentary of others. While that offers a certain acumen, a hands-on perspective is like the photo, worth a thousand words.
This work involved leading communication courses for two diverse groups of Chinese men and women, for a global company. If the individuals I encountered are a microcosm of the future, energy is rising in the east! This post encapsulates a few of my observations and insights that I believe are applicable to worksite wellness.
I found both the Chinese women and men exhibited two qualities that help influence a healthy work environment. I understand that 12 people are not an entire company but they do offer a fresh perspective. These personal qualities, I trust also reflect some inherent cultural characteristics that are woven into the Chinese workplace.
- Strong sense of both I and we, not only ME
- Enthusiasm to learn something new and challenging
Strong sense of we not just ME
Having grown up in a sports-minded family teamwork was learned early on. What I witnessed in China reminded me greatly of how my father built successful basketball teams. Utilizing individual talents but never losing sight of the big picture, a team victory, thus the WE and not only the ME.
In my recent work with Chinese individuals I saw a constant concern for the whole group to succeed. I felt a gracious wait for the right opportunity to contribute and a willingness to bring the whole group onboard at the same time. Often in the USA I feel a sense of each person pushing hard to put their own agenda forward without real concern for the group.
I am fully aware that I am grossly generalizing but having worked in the US corporate culture and now just recently in China, I see a striking difference. It obviously has a great deal to do with cultural upbringing, meaning a socialist vs. a capitalist society. My feeling is a blend of the two is ideal in terms of business etiquette. In other words, the group is only as good as the weakest link.
The US spends enormous amounts of marketing dollars and programs to accentuate the “I” in everything. Think of the marketing slogan “Because I’m worth it” along with the host of celebrity and personal fame seeking programs on radio, TV and film. The list is endless. I would even add the continued push to provide every child with a medal as contributing to what I call the “ME” syndrome.
While this might do plenty to spotlight certain individuals it is not great for team spirit. I think this attitude of self-importance has played over from our social lives into our work lives. Maybe it is time for a rethink.
From a worksite wellness perspective offering programs to encourage group dynamics and build team spirit come to mind. It is one of the reasons I highly support artistic and recreational events that allow individuals to utilize their own talents and hobbies to share with the group. Often the focus is on athletic or sport events which may exclude non-sport enthusiasts.
Enthusiasm to learn
Ask any teacher; an enthusiastic student is a joy to teach, hands down. A sincere individual who desires to acquire new knowledge makes teaching easy. In my opinion, this is not an individual whose sole goal is monetary amelioration, personal fame or other extrinsic motivator. It is a person who wants to gain knowledge or acquire a skill for the pure pleasure of knowledge itself.
From my perspective, genuine enthusiasm seems in small quantities in the global workplace these days. The global economic malaise has played heavily in creating a negative atmosphere. However, finding new ways to regain a sense of enthusiasm towards new learning might bring renewed vigor to the workplace, i.e. improve wellness and increase engagement.
One might say well we (read Americans) are very enthusiastic. Especially if compared to other nations, like Europe or for that matter China. I would say, outwardly, probably true. But is it genuine?
Probably yes in some cases but in many situations bordering superficial. I also believe that lately in the workplace a forced enthusiasm is often generated. If one looks at the recent Gallup poll less than 30% of Americans are engaged at work. In other words 70% are not, a stunning number. I would dare to say that if you are not engaged, you are probably not authentically enthusiastic.
“The main reasons for employee disengagement in the workplace are “managers from hell,” and the feeling that their company does not cultivate growth and ignores talent, the report finds.”
It is hard to be enthusiastic if your job is making you miserable. How to change that, besides quitting your job? I believe these four components, which I witnessed in China, present opportunities to stimulate enthusiasm and subsequently engagement.
- Belief enhanced communication is key to individual & business success
- Support within the company for personal development
- Self and company appreciation for a cultural learning exchange
- Perspective of growth personally & business globally
For example, building enhanced communication is vital to individual and business success. Obviously, the company that hired Executive Performance Training places high value on fostering heightened communication skills within the workplace. These trainings were seen as a definite boon to personal development by the participants and seriously appreciated.
It might be that in the US companies offer excessive amounts of training and individuals become jaded towards learning? Or that the trainings are just not tailored enough to the individual needs. Either way I see a dissatisfaction in the US work environment towards training that I did not experience in China.
Finding new ways to combat lack of enthusiasm and malaise in the worksite might do well by enhancing communication at the individual level. While communication is a highly used concept in wellness it often seems vague or focused solely on communication campaigns for specific programs.
What if there could be more opportunities for individuals at all levels of a company to improve their personal communication skills? Thus creating more self-efficacy and personal growth in the art of communication.
This could be taken a step farther by offering opportunities for cultural learning exchanges. Without a doubt the US workforce is increasingly ethnically diverse. With Hispanic and African-American populations on the rise, and the continued influx of women in the workplace the demand for cultural understanding is crucial to business success. From a wellness perspective it also means that offerings and leadership need to reflect diversity reality.
“As of June 2012 people of color make up 36 % of the workforce. Census data tell us that by 2050 there will be no racial or ethnic majority in our country. Further, between 2000 and 2050 new immigrants and their children will account for 83 percent of the growth in the working-age population.”
Crosby Burns, Kimberly Barton, and Sophia Kerby
The State of Diversity Today
Wrap up
I feel extremely privileged to have had this unique opportunity. I am fully aware that China, as well as the USA, has major problems to solve. My insights are not meant to be naïve or even to ignore the gravity of certain issues. Challenges such as the environment, human rights, freedom of speech and privacy exist on both sides of the aisle.
My perspective is meant to illuminate the shared experience of a cross-cultural exchange and what we can learn as health promotion professionals. It is also meant as a catalyst to revive appreciation for enthusiasm and team spirit in the workplace.
As worksite wellness professionals a lot of energy is spent on the “medical aspects” of wellness. Think of all the preventative tests, HRA screenings, blood tests and disease management programs that constitute a program. However, company culture and the enthusiastic spirit to succeed as a team can go a long way towards building morale and engagement.
Just as our educational system is realizing testing is only one part of a thriving program, knowledge occurs in a variety of mediums. Wellness needs all the experiential learning facets available, if it is to survive.
It is very difficult to be well and focused on excellence in lifestyle, if you can’t express your talents and passions in some manner.
Donald B. Ardell, Ph.D. (a pioneer in worksite wellness)
