To Make Your Chinese Boss Angry

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How To Make Your Chinese Boss Angry

Written by Robert Vance on September 5, 2008 – 11:46 am

Although I risk being faced with a vehement chorus of disagreement for saying so, Chinese bosses have been relatively easy to please throughout my ‘illustrious’ ESL teaching career in China. It is true that their requests to appear at business dinners with them or appear in the occasional school advertisement can be annoying, but in general I have found that Chinese bosses do not ask for so much from their foreign teachers. Of course, there are ESL teachers in China who do manage to drive their bosses crazy. How? Usually, they are just plain bad teachers who think they can get away with murder. Here are some actions (or lack of actions) that are sure to annoy your Chinese boss:

Showing up late to class — No matter how much your Chinese boss likes you, he is not going to appreciate a tardy teacher. Not only does showing up late for your class annoy teachers and students but it sets a bad example for the rest of the staff. Showing up early to prepare for your ESL class is always a good rule of thumb.
Dressing like a slob — Whether you like it or not, you become a representative of your ESL as soon as you sign your name on the contract. Parents,students,prospective clients and visiting VIP’s will notice and take into account the way you look. While it may be fun to show off your personality and dress however you please, do not forget that you are working for a business. In your home country you would undoubtedly be expected to follow a dress code for a similar job so why should it be different in China?
Throwing a temper tantrum — Being firm with your Chinese boss or supervisor is important but yelling and flailing your arms around will get you nowhere. In fact, throwing a temper tantrum will simply anger your boss and cause the whole school to lose respect for you. If you have a ‘bone to pick’ with your boss, always speak with him in private and remember that maintaining ‘face’ in China is very important.
Always refusing to do any extra favors for the school – Some Chinese bosses will always ask you to do extra favors for the school. Legally, you only need to do what is required of you in your contract. While I definitely said no to about 90% of the business trips and luncheons I was ask to attend, I tried to honor some of the requests just to show that I did have an interest in the school’s well being. Always doing the bare minimum and never going the ‘extra mile’ is sure to annoy your boss and render him less unapproachable should you need a favor.
Complaining about the school administration to students and teachers — This is a big no-no. Talking about your boss behind his back is the #1 way to lose respect and make the whole staff angry at you. Do not think that your uncomplimentary words will not find their way to your boss just because you have some good friends amongst your Chinese co-workers. It is amazing how gossip spreads in an ESL school in China. Saying bad words about your boss or about the school to your students is also a suicidal idea and will most likely get you in big trouble.
Failing to prepare for your ESL classes — My boss rarely sat in on any of my ESL classes but I knew that the teachers and students often ‘filled him in’ on what I was teaching. If you develop a pattern of teaching your ESL classes ‘on the fly’ there are sure to be some dissatisfied students who will complain. Consistently not preparing for your classes will anger your boss because he will realize that you are just doing the bare minimum that is required of you and that you do not take your teaching job seriously. Prepare for your classes and everyone, including yourself, will be much happier.

Do you have ideas or comments to share with us about getting along with your Chinese boss? Leave us a comment below!

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