One thing that strikes me as the most remarkable about our local colleagues is that they are wonderful listeners. They would never interrupt you. If you expect questions or comments after your presentation, do not get offended: they won’t come right away. But do expect them a day or two later and plan an opportunity for that. You’ll be surprised by their relevance, complexity, insightfulness and added value for the team’s agenda.
By the similar token, consensus takes time for individual reflection and side discussions. Do not mistake the nods around the table for agreement, they mean: “You’ve been heard, we understood.” If you happen to take the lack of questions for disengagement of your audience, you are likely to miss a very valuable message: your Hong Kong colleague would never rush expressing an opinion or asking a question that is not substantiated by thorough thought; it is a sign of respect to you.
Hong Kongers are known around the world for hard work and you do find working late hours commonplace here. It has to do with doing everything thoroughly. They won’t ever come to a meeting unprepared and won’t give you a sloppy draft of a presentation or document. I do not believe this perfectionism is about making a good impression or being afraid to lose face; rather I think it has to do with respect for the other person and their time.
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