TED Talks Daily Management lessons from Chinese business and philosophy | Fang Ruan
Feb 25, 2020
Fang Ruan, a management consultant focused on the evolution of business practices in China, discusses the shift from Confucianism to Taoist philosophy in leadership. She reveals how this change encourages spontaneous transformation and empowerment rather than top-down control. Ruan illustrates a unique two-hat management model, comparing it to dumplings, emphasizing adaptability and innovation. She also highlights the importance of collaboration and eliminating hierarchy, paving the way for a dynamic workplace that champions employee engagement.
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Dumpling Xi's Two-Hat Model
- Gao Defu, founder of Dumpling Xi, faced declining in-store sales due to online food delivery services.
- He adopted a "two-hat model," assigning regional managers additional HQ roles to drive online integration despite lacking prior experience.
Shifting Management Paradigms in China
- Tolerance for mistakes and bottom-up ideas are uncommon in China due to traditional Confucian values emphasizing seniority and authority.
- However, the changing business environment and millennial workforce are driving new management styles.
Xiao Hongshu's Signature Program
- Miranda Chu, founder of Xiao Hongshu, noticed interns calling senior staff "teachers," hindering ownership and collaboration.
- She implemented a "Signature Program," where employees choose avatar characters, fostering a more collaborative environment.