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Actual for You - Mastering Singaporean Business Etiquette: 7 Tips
I know at first glance this sounds obvious, but it may be worth it for you to think about your prices. At least just for a moment.How did you decide on your current pricing? Did you conduct market research to understand what prospects would pay? Or did you compare yourself to your competitors and base your price on that? Or was it a crapshoot, and random shot in the dark?These are the ways most people do it, and they are all wrong. Because the price you set for your products and services is more important than you think.The following few paragraphs are a bit number heavy, but stay with me because this will be really valuable for you to understand.Let's say you sell a high margin product - information products and software are two good examples. Your price is $60, and your costs are $10 - that means your gross margin (selling price - your costs) is $50 each time yo
However, Singaporeans believe in achieving results together collectively, hence their preference for a harmonious work relationship. It can also be said that they do not have a propensity to kick up a huge fuss.
Similarly, any wrongdoing committed by the Assignee's peers or staff should be discussed behind closed doors. Rather than risking a "face losing" episode by confronting - or embarrassing - the wrong-doer loudly in the common area. They may turn out to be not guilty.
5. Hierarchical Structure / Deference to Authority
The top-down management philosophy is practiced in Singapore whereby respect is automatically accorded to a "senior". Thus, if the Assignee arrives with management
Two of our recent clients, one construction company with over $100 million in revenue and exceptional personnel, training, and controls in force, and another with under $2 million in revenue without any controls, had the same problem that so many of our clients face…lost profits from lack of controls of material deliveries in the field.Our larger client builds homes valued over $5 million and sells them at cost plus a profit percentage. The smaller client builds residential renovations and decks at a fixed price. In both cases, we found that their materials were being delivered to their job site without being checked in by their field superintendent.The result of that mistake was that the larger builder lost $80,000 because their client rejected an invoice where the costs for mill work and lumber were $80,000 over budget. Was the material stolen? Was it ever delivered?We d
All is not lost if the Assignee has made thorough preparations before his transfer. For instance, the following digestible tips that he could take note of when liaising or communicating with Singaporeans. Although Singaporeans generally speak English with varying proficiency standards; the Assignee is advised to exercise due care given the cultural differences.
1. Small-talk
Small-talk is one of the most common traits observed by business communities across Southeast Asia. It also takes place between parties who meet for the first time. Making small-talk may be seen as a pointless time-wasting exercise for some Western executives. However, to Asians, engaging in small-talk is a form of establishing long-term collaborative relationship. Besides, it is also a way of establishing rapport and trust.
Topics ranging from asking after the Assignee's family to if he has gone on holiday/vacation. However, unlike their Asian counterparts elsewhere, Singaporeans are not as intrusive as they go for safer topics like the weather. Neither do they discuss any topic at length; it is usually about 10 to 15 minutes thereabouts. Singaporeans are pressed for time that is why.
2. Business Cards
Business cards in Asia serve as an extension of the person's business reputation. Hence, the ritual-like exchange whereby the cards are presented and received with both hands simultaneously - it takes some practice to do so. The trick is by holding the top corners/part of one's card with name facing the receiver. And then receiving the counterpart's with the left hand when both cards "meet".
The Assignee could show interest towards his counterpart by studying the card for a moment and then asking questions relating to their business or work. If this takes place during a formal meeting, the card is placed on the table to the Assignee's right for referencing purposes.
Last but not least, the Assignee ought to take note of the following:
[a] Never put the card inside his shirt pocket immediately; or trouser/pants back pocket as this gesture is deemed disrespectful towards his counterpart. That is, he is literally sitting on them - the horror.
[b] Never write on his counterpart's business card as this implies he is defacing the card
3. Saving Face / Loss of Face
There is a subtle difference between these two phrases as described in the following scenarios:
[a] Saving face - a long-running dispute between two departments whose members do not wish to bring the matter up to their respective supervisors. Else they appear as difficult or petulant they do their utmost to "save face".
[b] Loss of Face - scribbling onto a Singaporean's [especially ethnic Chinese] business card in his presence will cause him to "lose face". I made this mistake several years ago at my first job. I innocently jotted down the person's particulars on the back of her business card, completely oblivious to her stare. And here I was wondering why.
4. Non-Confrontational Stance
It is Singaporeans' aversion to "losing face" - or inclination for "face saving" - that they come across as non-confrontational. Even if a conflict arises over trivial matters, they would rather save the other party's face instead of thrashing out the issue. Such behaviour may appear difficult or strange for the Assignee to grasp.
However, Singaporeans believe in achieving results together collectively, hence their preference for a harmonious work relationship. It can also be said that they do not have a propensity to kick up a huge fuss.
Similarly, any wrongdoing committed by the Assignee's peers or staff should be discussed behind closed doors. Rather than risking a "face losing" episode by confronting - or embarrassing - the wrong-doer loudly in the common area. They may turn out to be not guilty.
5. Hierarchical Structure / Deference to Authority
The top-down management philosophy is practiced in Singapore whereby respect is automatically accorded to a "senior". Thus, if the Assignee arrives with management r
Today's high-performance CNC machines operate at extremely high rates of speed, requiring an oil mist eliminator to remove vast amounts of coolant. For example, the Haas MDC-500 Mill DrillCenter features a high-volume coolant pump and a 40-gallon coolant tank. Mist eliminators are designed to remove the oil mist and smoke from cutting fluids in metalworking environments.The health hazards of oil mist exposure associated with the machine tool industry have been well documented. The websites for OSHA, NIOSH and the CDC provide a wealth of valuable information for both employers and employees regarding safety issues and cutting fluids.One of the most common afflictions of workers exposed to oil mist is Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP). This is an allergic reaction to machine coolant that worsens with continued exposure. HP is caused by microbes in the cutting oil that affect a
Topics ranging from asking after the Assignee's family to if he has gone on holiday/vacation. However, unlike their Asian counterparts elsewhere, Singaporeans are not as intrusive as they go for safer topics like the weather. Neither do they discuss any topic at length; it is usually about 10 to 15 minutes thereabouts. Singaporeans are pressed for time that is why.
2. Business Cards
Business cards in Asia serve as an extension of the person's business reputation. Hence, the ritual-like exchange whereby the cards are presented and received with both hands simultaneously - it takes some practice to do so. The trick is by holding the top corners/part of one's card with name facing the receiver. And then receiving the counterpart's with the left hand when both cards "meet".
The Assignee could show interest towards his counterpart by studying the card for a moment and then asking questions relating to their business or work. If this takes place during a formal meeting, the card is placed on the table to the Assignee's right for referencing purposes.
Last but not least, the Assignee ought to take note of the following:
[a] Never put the card inside his shirt pocket immediately; or trouser/pants back pocket as this gesture is deemed disrespectful towards his counterpart. That is, he is literally sitting on them - the horror.
[b] Never write on his counterpart's business card as this implies he is defacing the card
3. Saving Face / Loss of Face
There is a subtle difference between these two phrases as described in the following scenarios:
[a] Saving face - a long-running dispute between two departments whose members do not wish to bring the matter up to their respective supervisors. Else they appear as difficult or petulant they do their utmost to "save face".
[b] Loss of Face - scribbling onto a Singaporean's [especially ethnic Chinese] business card in his presence will cause him to "lose face". I made this mistake several years ago at my first job. I innocently jotted down the person's particulars on the back of her business card, completely oblivious to her stare. And here I was wondering why.
4. Non-Confrontational Stance
It is Singaporeans' aversion to "losing face" - or inclination for "face saving" - that they come across as non-confrontational. Even if a conflict arises over trivial matters, they would rather save the other party's face instead of thrashing out the issue. Such behaviour may appear difficult or strange for the Assignee to grasp.
However, Singaporeans believe in achieving results together collectively, hence their preference for a harmonious work relationship. It can also be said that they do not have a propensity to kick up a huge fuss.
Similarly, any wrongdoing committed by the Assignee's peers or staff should be discussed behind closed doors. Rather than risking a "face losing" episode by confronting - or embarrassing - the wrong-doer loudly in the common area. They may turn out to be not guilty.
5. Hierarchical Structure / Deference to Authority
The top-down management philosophy is practiced in Singapore whereby respect is automatically accorded to a "senior". Thus, if the Assignee arrives with management
When I was in college, the curriculum offered several courses on speaking, but I can’t recall a single one on listening. Yet a minimum of 50% of communication is attributed to a person’s ability to effectively listen. So if you are looking for a way to improve your communications skills with customers, suppliers, coworkers, friends and family members, consider the following six techniques designed to enhance effective listening:1. Ask well-designed open-ended questions. If you want to be more in control of your sales calls, talk less and ask more questions. When you’re talking, you’re learning nothing, but when you ask good questions, you’re getting inside your customers and prospect’s heads. You’re learning more about how they think and how they make decisions.Here are several of my favorites:Question: What criteria do you use when _____________? The reason for th
The Assignee could show interest towards his counterpart by studying the card for a moment and then asking questions relating to their business or work. If this takes place during a formal meeting, the card is placed on the table to the Assignee's right for referencing purposes.
Last but not least, the Assignee ought to take note of the following:
[a] Never put the card inside his shirt pocket immediately; or trouser/pants back pocket as this gesture is deemed disrespectful towards his counterpart. That is, he is literally sitting on them - the horror.
[b] Never write on his counterpart's business card as this implies he is defacing the card
3. Saving Face / Loss of Face
There is a subtle difference between these two phrases as described in the following scenarios:
[a] Saving face - a long-running dispute between two departments whose members do not wish to bring the matter up to their respective supervisors. Else they appear as difficult or petulant they do their utmost to "save face".
[b] Loss of Face - scribbling onto a Singaporean's [especially ethnic Chinese] business card in his presence will cause him to "lose face". I made this mistake several years ago at my first job. I innocently jotted down the person's particulars on the back of her business card, completely oblivious to her stare. And here I was wondering why.
4. Non-Confrontational Stance
It is Singaporeans' aversion to "losing face" - or inclination for "face saving" - that they come across as non-confrontational. Even if a conflict arises over trivial matters, they would rather save the other party's face instead of thrashing out the issue. Such behaviour may appear difficult or strange for the Assignee to grasp.
However, Singaporeans believe in achieving results together collectively, hence their preference for a harmonious work relationship. It can also be said that they do not have a propensity to kick up a huge fuss.
Similarly, any wrongdoing committed by the Assignee's peers or staff should be discussed behind closed doors. Rather than risking a "face losing" episode by confronting - or embarrassing - the wrong-doer loudly in the common area. They may turn out to be not guilty.
5. Hierarchical Structure / Deference to Authority
The top-down management philosophy is practiced in Singapore whereby respect is automatically accorded to a "senior". Thus, if the Assignee arrives with management
Do you know anyone who regularly wins bids? Or can boast a balanced relationship between doing the hard work of producing proposals and regularly winning the business?I’m always amazed at how much energy people put into responding to a Request For Proposal (RFP) in relation to the level of success – or non-success – they realize. And yet they continue to put time and resources into this relatively unproductive activity.In fact, what is an RFP anyway?An RFP is the standard format that companies use to figure out what they need to buy and how they need to buy it (not necessarily who they need to buy it from). Actually, it’s not about vendor choice or price. It’s about learning how to make a decision.In reality, the process is ineffective for everyone: the buyer and the seller. Indeed, RFPs are nothing more than a different form of sales pitch.I got a delayed ca
[a] Saving face - a long-running dispute between two departments whose members do not wish to bring the matter up to their respective supervisors. Else they appear as difficult or petulant they do their utmost to "save face".
[b] Loss of Face - scribbling onto a Singaporean's [especially ethnic Chinese] business card in his presence will cause him to "lose face". I made this mistake several years ago at my first job. I innocently jotted down the person's particulars on the back of her business card, completely oblivious to her stare. And here I was wondering why.
4. Non-Confrontational Stance
It is Singaporeans' aversion to "losing face" - or inclination for "face saving" - that they come across as non-confrontational. Even if a conflict arises over trivial matters, they would rather save the other party's face instead of thrashing out the issue. Such behaviour may appear difficult or strange for the Assignee to grasp.
However, Singaporeans believe in achieving results together collectively, hence their preference for a harmonious work relationship. It can also be said that they do not have a propensity to kick up a huge fuss.
Similarly, any wrongdoing committed by the Assignee's peers or staff should be discussed behind closed doors. Rather than risking a "face losing" episode by confronting - or embarrassing - the wrong-doer loudly in the common area. They may turn out to be not guilty.
5. Hierarchical Structure / Deference to Authority
The top-down management philosophy is practiced in Singapore whereby respect is automatically accorded to a "senior". Thus, if the Assignee arrives with management
A steam boiler is a covered container that furnishes a method for combustion heat to be transferred into water until the water becomes steam. The steam is then utilized for transferring the heat to a procedure.When water is boiled into steam its volume swells about 1,600 times, generating a force that is highly unstable. This is a very commendable means for transferring heat for a process, but it can also be exceedingly hazardous. Steam boilers are utilized in many diverse applications. Their only function is to make use of water and transform it into steam. There are some boilers that heat the steam until it exceeds the boiling point temperature. This is also known as superheated steam.Steam boilers have a number of trappings to function efficiently. One of them is an aquastat. It fulfils two objectives. It monitors the temperature in which the boiler functions, and furnishes
However, Singaporeans believe in achieving results together collectively, hence their preference for a harmonious work relationship. It can also be said that they do not have a propensity to kick up a huge fuss.
Similarly, any wrongdoing committed by the Assignee's peers or staff should be discussed behind closed doors. Rather than risking a "face losing" episode by confronting - or embarrassing - the wrong-doer loudly in the common area. They may turn out to be not guilty.
5. Hierarchical Structure / Deference to Authority
The top-down management philosophy is practiced in Singapore whereby respect is automatically accorded to a "senior". Thus, if the Assignee arrives with management responsibilities, he is expected to make important decisions which are deferred to him. Unless he works in a Multinational Enterprise, the egalitarian approach is a fairly foreign concept to Singaporeans.
To be brought into the company - or Singapore for that matter - means there is no local equivalent or "talent" for the job. The Assignee is held in high regard and considered as an unrivalled expert in his field as a result. Additional pressure on him to succeed in his assignment!
Consequently, knowledge-sharing amongst or between himself and his subordinates or peers is near non-existent. Secondly, for the Assignee to elicit opinion or suggestion is to lower himself to the level of his peers or employees - or "losing face".
6. Consensual Decision-Making
As discussed above with regard to deference to authority; and their non-confrontational stance that Singaporeans appreciate consensual decision-making. Especially amongst peers or if it is a matter that involves the entire department.
For instance, someone in the department suggests a coffee percolator so that everyone could brew a cuppa. His colleagues are expected to be asked for their opinion or agreement so that they can all reach consensus. Even if it pertains to the percolator brand. There may be those who do not agree, but go along all the same just to maintain peace and harmony.
7. "What would you like to drink? Water?"
Most long-term expatriates in Singapore are aware of this intriguing question that they practice it too, such that it becomes second nature to them. Likewise, guests to Singaporean - regardless of ethnicity - homes are asked same. A guest having travelled a distance is deemed thirsty - especially in tropical countries like Singapore - thus a drink is proffered.
Singaporeans would ask guests their beverage preferences like coffee, tea or simply a glass of water. In other words, a warm gesture of welcome that surely makes guests comfortable; or putting them at ease.
In Conclusion...
It is not too difficult to master the Business Etiquette of a particular country or culture as expounded on this article. All it takes for the International Assignee is an appreciation of the workings of each practice as featured. He clearly has an edge over his peers in the long run when he eventually becomes adept at the intricacies.
Bear in mind though that what appears weird and idiosyncratic to him, his very own practices will appear exactly same to his hosts. To "Do as the Romans Do" is certainly more relevant than ever in today's increasingly diverse and global workplace.
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