Ronald Houston: GZ Changes from changed from a Wet Market to A Modern Metro

lifeofguangzhou.com:  What impressed you most during the working period in Guangzhou?

In the time I have been in Guangzhou nearly 10 years there has been massive changes in the infrastructure in the city it has changed from a wet market environment to a modern metropolis  and people have changed and accepted this, some of it due to the young Chinese who have been educated internationally coming back and now working in multi national and local companies and more disposable income. 

lifeofguangzhou.com:  Are there any touching stories happened during your working time in Guangzhou? 

Being selected for this award and also being selected to run with the Olympic torch in Guangzhou two milestones in my life and in a very short period of which I feel so humble to receive.

lifeofguangzhou.com:  As a foreign expert in Guangzhou, do you think what the biggest achievement you have got? What made you feel proudest? 

When I first came to Guang zhou there were 8 expatriates working in our company now  I am the only one left, all other positions that were held by expatriates have been filled by our local colleagues in al areas of the business, now this is something I am very proud of, and I am sure in a short time I will also be replaced with a local person, the change in comparison to western business is very different here you must be fast and business good sense other wise someone will beat you to you customer and consumer. We have done this very successfully.

lifeofguangzhou.com:  Are there any difficulties when working with your Chinese staff? How did you deal with it? For example, some culture difference. 

I have worked in China since 1997 and before that 6 years in Hong Kong, in China I have spent time in Harbin, Tianjin and now Guangzhou all very different people in how they behave and work. In all 3 regions in China I have worked closely with all my Chinese staff and you need to treat them different to get the best out of them like all people, but there is distinct cultural variations in regions. One of the best and simplest ways to have respect is to listen and give people time to accept you.

lifeofguangzhou.com:  Why did you come to work in Guangzhou?

Mt company transferred me here. 

lifeofguangzhou.com:  How long do you plan to work in Guangzhou? 

This I do not know but take it one year at a time, Guangzhou is a great place to be and work as an expatriate.

lifeofguangzhou.com:  What's your suggestion to Guangzhou city?

If one looks at the way Guangzhou has developed you must  give credit to the city leaders, and the changes they are making are long term ones in all areas. one that impresses me most is the environmental polices which are now strictly enforced this from me is outstanding

Source: lifeofguangzhou.com

Editor: Shanna Chu