Life lesson from the Banyan tree

In my last post I talked about the importance of Guan Xi in our lives. I would like to expand on that idea by talking about the importance of developing strong support systems. I was walking through Wanshi Botanical Gardens the other day, and noticed this tree, it was no ordinary tree, it is called a Banyan tree. The thing that attracted it to me was its branches-- it had vines reaching the ground that would slowly twist together over time to create a thick vertical branches that is meant to give the horizontal branches support in order for the tree to grow wider and taller.

We as human beings can learn a lot from this tree. If we compare ourself to the tree, we would be the main trunk and the horizontal branches that expand out is the knowledge and experiences we gain over our life -- as we grow our branches become longer and thicker. How can we as human's grow our branches thicker and longer?

Surrounding ourselves with people who are going to lift you higher and help you grow in every aspect of your life. If we learn from this tree, the people we surround ourselves with will become the vertical branches (like he Banyan tree), that can expand our develop our growth. When creating the "support system"  or vertical pillars remember that we need different types of pillars that help us grow in every aspect of our lives. You should have spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and  professional pillars.

Our support system needs to be nurtured, we take from it and we give back to it to maximize our growth as human's. Think about growing your support system holistically like the Banyan tree, don't only fill it with groups of people from one area of development, if you do, you will miss out on opportunities in life and will limit your growth.

Guan Xi

Guan Xi is probably the most important word for you to know when you're living or working in China. What does Guan Xi mean? You all know it if you're in business -- it is something we all do. For those of you who are on LinkedIn-- you do it. It translates into "networking" or "connections". The Chinese have a high regard for Guan Xi, as the basis of it's culture revolves around it. It is a little bit more then networking it is formed around relationships, consideration, honor, and respect.

Let me give you a scenario. Say: I have a Guan Xi with Jen and she is selling some low quality pens for $1 each and I have another supplier let's say Brad and he is selling better quality pens for 80 cents each. Since I have a Guan Xi with Jen, (even though the pens are of lower quality and more expensive) I will buy them from her because I know her and we have a connection with one another.

So when they teach you in business class that quality and price matter-- it's not always true.  To 1.3 billion people in the world, it's all about the relationship you have with the other person. So when you or your company decide to conduct business in China, it is very important to develop a strong Guan Xi with people you plan to conduct business with. Business is personal!

Next time you meet someone, try to build a relationship with them that is mutually beneficiary. Don't think to yourself "what can this person do for me" rather, build a relationship based off of affection, consideration, and respect. See where your Guan Xi takes you!