Work for Win-Win Answers

Silicon Valley Tech V.P. Dr. Tong Liu was born in 1961 in the countryside near Yangzhou, the southern part of China. (See post one.) He never expected to go to university--not because he didn't want to or because he wasn't intelligent enough--but, the politics of the country made it seem impossible. (See post two.) Liu graduated from Nanjing University, and then--thanks to Professor T. D. Lee of Columbia University--he was given chance to take a physics exam allowing him further study at the University of Virginia in the U.S. (See post three.) Liu was excited to explore the U.S., despite the sometimes hilarious hiccups he had with communication. (See post four.) Upon graduation, Liu took a four-month posting in Holland. (See post five.) Liu returned the U.S. planning only to stay for a few short years before returning to China. The Tiananmen massacre changed that. (post six.) In 1998, however, Dr. Liu and his wife took their children to Hong Kong for two years to show them the culture. (post seven.) They returned to Silicon Valley in 2000, and Liu became heavily involved in his son's favorite past-time: soccer.  Indeed, Liu was moved by the passion he saw from so many volunteering parents.( post eight.) Dr. Liu's familiarity with both cultures--and his ability to negotiate--were assets needed when his company's factory in Shenzhen held a major strike in 2012. (post nine.)

Liu said that the American COO of the company first wanted to meet with Shenzhen’s city mayor to discuss the strike and what plans were being made to put an end to it. The city mayor did not want to meet with the COO.

“The (American) COO got upset, saying, ‘In Malaysia, I want to see the Prime Minister, he will see me.

“I explained, ‘Do you know why they cannot see you? Because this strike is beyond their control. They see you, they cannot do anything. They do not want to lose face in front of you.’

“I said, ‘You know, you deal with the Chinese government, you make sure you do not treat them the same as you treat Thailand or Malaysia government.’ What that means? 

"Thailand and Malaysia pretty much have got to meet the requests made by the U.S. companies. China doesn’t."

Malaysian P.M. Najib Razak meets with Facebook CEO Zuckerberg

"And why does China’s government not have to follow the requests of American companies?
“Did you know that the industry output of Shenzhen city alone is more than Malaysia? One city. China is one of the key supply chains. It’s very important."

Through Dr. Liu's brilliant negotiating, he was able to help foster an end to the chaos in Shenzhen. 

“When negotiating, it’s good to consider if it’s good for the U.S. company AND also if it’s good for the Chinese workers and the local government.“

While all worked out well in the end for workers, company, and government,  when Liu was ready to return home to California, the Chinese government did not wish for him to leave. 

“They needed somebody to make sure the factories are running well and not causing trouble.  When labor unrest happens it’s their headache, as well.  

"I said, ‘I have family, I have kids in the U.S.’ 

"They don’t think that’s important. They think that personal issues should give in to the good of the group.” 

Liu--who promised to maintain his role as a liaison between the factory and the government--managed to get on that plane home to the U.S.

(To be continued.  Final: Promoting Understanding.)