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anonymous
Q: What's the best way to respond when your Chinese boss criticizes your work?
My boss has been criticizing my work more and more recently. I think that many of his accusations are ungrounded, and I've tried to tell him as much, explaining how and why I'm not actually doing anything wrong, or that there are other factors at play outside of my control. Even so, he continues to get on my from time to time about the same things.
What is the best way to respond to these kinds of criticism?
I am open to acknowledging when I have actually done something wrong, but in these cases, are my attempts at refuting him (in private) actually working against my favor?
What's the best way to respond to this? Should I be using different tactics for a Chinese boss as opposed to a western one?
10 years 49 weeks ago in Business & Jobs - China
Just nod and smile. A boss in China is THE BOSS (regardless of experience, ability, education, etc.) You can ask how to improve performance, work methods, etc., but criticism is the norm. Arguing won't work. You have to consider what's the job worth to you and your pride. Don't wait for an invitation to leave...prepare for it in advance.
I think you probably need to give more info about your workplace for anyone here to be actually helpful. I worked as a teacher and my 'boss' was not especially great at English and not great at teaching, but as the 'boss' felt obliged to give out criticism.
I always took that with 'oh, thanks for the advice!' and completely ignored every word. I found much more value in asking my more intelligent and competent TAs for constructive feedback.
mattsm84:
For teachers, ignoring your nominal supervisor is the best possible advice.
If it is a legitimate criticism, listen carefully and improve.
If it is a bullshit criticism, tell him/her you disagree and then ignore anything else that is said.
Sleep with his second wife,behind his back,and her back as well
Tell them to find a new teacher if he's not happy with you.... (perhaps politely, perhaps not). Chinese bosses absolutely hate confrontation, and have absolutely no idea how to handle an employee who doesn't just jump at their every word.
You may not win any friends (and potentially make an enemy), but depending on your school, you'll probably find your boss stays well out of your way after it (and will even try to 'win you around' - ie, smile it off later - but probably stab you in the back if they get a good enough opportunity). You may even find the boss is extra nice to yoiu after.
Yes, "thanks for the advice" works wonders with most bosses.. if you want to keep him away just ask him for lots of stupid advice, take up his time every time he annoys you... always be polite. After a few time wasting episodes he will stay away.
I just start talking about current best practice theories, and ask if that would be better. Rather than admit not knowing about them (losing face), they tend to just not bring it up any more.
Speak so fast that they struggle to understand, no matter how good their English level. Then ask them if they would still like to complain. I suppose this works only for English teachers. Saying that, I have never had anyone criticise my work before.
