The Hidden Message …
Asian people do not always say things directly, especially if they are unpleasant. It is common for them to criticise someone who is not present, but through subtle hints indicate that the criticism is meant to apply to someone present.
It’s a way of saying what needs to be said without provoking a confrontation.
This strategy can be very effective in a sensitive situation if employed tactfully. Asians are trained to understand these hints but foreigners often do not recognise them.
When dealing with the Chinese and other Asian people, one must listen carefully.
Yu, the favourite advisor to King Chu, one day met the son of the late P.M. who was living in poverty.
Yu was shocked to see how poorly the King had taken care of the former Prime Ministers family, so he dressed himself and acted the part of the late P.M. to please the King at their next meeting in court.
The King was pleased with Yu’s impersonation of the old P.M. and offered to appoint Yu as the new P.M.
Yu was very pleased with this offer, however he said he would have to discuss the appointment with his wife.
The next day Yu told the King he could not accept the post because his wife didn’t want them to end up like the former P.M.’s family.
King Chu realised he had been remiss in caring for the former P.M.’s family and granted them a generous pension and Yu became the new P.M.
The dropping of hints is a Chinese national pastime. If you miss a hint, it could turn out to be very costly in a business transaction!
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