5 Ancient Asian Values Every Entrepreneur Should Know

More and more Asian economies are directed at the top, since the April projects of the International Monetary Fund that India would soon exceed the fourth place in Japan in the global economic order and will join China and the United States in the first five places in the world.

In a micro level, medium -sized individual capitalization partners, according to Citigroup articles, are rapidly expanding beyond the global manufacturing bases of Japan and China, with their booming factories that have a presence in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Tail. In addition, Asian classmates are adopting new technologies 8-12 years before the West, according to the CITI 2023 report.

This Rapid Growth in Asian Businesses is driven by Fast-Paced Innovation and High Adaptability, But what Truly Lies at The Heart of. These unique values, found throughout the continent, contribute to the fact that many of the world’s oldest operational companies are really in Asia.

As the fourth generation heir of a business that has more than 100 years in Hong Kong, I think that learning about aspects of culture that is practiced in Asia is beneficial for Western entrepreneurs. Here I have chosen five messages to take home.

Related: I am the CEO of a company that generates annual income of $ 1.7 billion. This ancient philosophy is my secret to the success of business and leadership.

1. balances Yin and Yang using daoism

One of the most important commercial concepts in Asia comes from Taoist philosophy, a Chinese way of life that originated in the sixth century BC. C. For entrepreneurs in particular, the concept of Wu Weiwhich translates as “actionless action”, is crucial since it teaches on agility and acting in harmony with the flows and flows of the universe. According to this concept, companies must prioritize efficiency and effectiveness and know what tasks are urgent, instead of taking too much control over each aspect of a company’s operations.

This philosophy also emphasizes the importance of balancing opposite forces, the male Yang and the female yin, so that they can coexist positively. In practice, an example can see something like build a business in “male” traits such as competitiveness, unwavering approach and amazement of risks, and balance it with “female” features such as introduction, sensitivity and care. Just having thesis features is not enough, but entrepreneurs will have to learn the art of moving between a faction and another Seamles, especially when they face challenging market conditions.

2. Practice patience instead of anger

Patience is the virtue of success in many cultures, and this is no different in Asia. An article written for the Australian Institute of Companies Directors shows that many successful Indian business leaders believe that using patience to react to a situation that causes normal anger is key to achieving progress. This belief derives from Bhagavad GitaAn ancient Indian text dating from the second century BC. C., which explains that when a negative event occurs, it should not be hole due to deception, which is a reaction that comes from anger. On the other hand, having a clear mind and controlling the reaction to the event will ensure that well reasoned actions are tasks, which will guarantee preservation instead of destruction.

Patience will also mean that important lessons of advertising events can be learned, which are normally perceived as “failures” in business. The Indian way of having a patient mentality is that each fault has the potential to become successful, with a quiet and reasoned thought instead of reactive impulses that clouds our judgment.

Related: At the age of the moment, here is why leaders must learn the art of patience

3. Understand the confucian art of giving face

Many of China’s flourishing businesses follow Confucian values, which originate in the way of life of the VC century, which remains relevant today. This Chinese Social Code has also influenced companies in Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Among the most important confucian values ​​practiced in Asian business ethics is the concept of giving face, also known as Miezi.

This is the belief that making some look good, that is, “giving face”, is key to establishing a harmonious relationship between the parties with which he is doing business. While protecting your own image is considered one of the highest ideals under this belief system, “giving face” to another is also equally important, carefully considering your thoughts and showing care. Miezi It is crucial for any commercial relationship, as special where customers and customers are involved, and is key to receiving the support of others and achieving longevity.

4. Applying the Buddhist Law of Attraction

Among the most visible principles practiced by Asian companies is the law of Buddhist attraction, which are that our thoughts and intentions shape our experiences and reality. Emerging from Buddhist philosophies founded by Siddharta Gautama Buddh in the 5th century. C. India, the law of attraction simply means that entrepreneurs must define their carefully and reflective businesses.

A company is seen as more than an organization or instrument configured to earn money; On the other hand, it is visualized as an agent that could deliver beneficial effects to the community in which it operates. This is something that my company, the Kowloon Motor bus company, especially, since it is a crucial service for its client to operate exclusively as a business driven by earnings. If its purpose is clear, then success will continue, it is what I have learned in my own experience as a business leader.

Related: 5 things I learned about the businesses of an Asian monastery

5. Learning how to “lift together”

An important aspect of Indonesian and bad trade cultures is the concept of Gotong Royongwhich translates as “lifting together”, an ancient principle of community work and collaboration within a community. This concept originated in the island of Java and has been known and practiced within the Malaysian archipelago since the 11th century BC. C.

This concept is still practiced today and is a cultural value that creates an important cohesion between commercial associations. For example, new Indonesian companies have used the concept of Gotong Royong to create strategies where separate companies join for mutual benefits instead of competing only within profitable industries.