Managerial Competencies
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Prominent Beijing couple, Zhang Xin and husband, Pan Shiyi are a leading force in todays Chinese real-estate domain. Both hold very high leadership positions in the real-estate world and they are revered by all of China for their “funky aesthetic” and their new “multi-colored buildings in contrast to Beijings grayness.” (Leow, 2007) Together they founded and own Soho China, “the leading developer in the capitals central business district”, and here they exhibit their many managerial competencies. (Leow, 2007) Communication, planning and administration, teamwork, multicultural, and self-management all come in to play in this power couples everyday lives.
Being so distinguished in China brings a lot of media attention to their door; therefore, communication is very important for their reputation. So far, Mr. Pan has been the one communicating with the press on different subjects. His wife, Ms. Zhang, lets Pan take full reign over the media aspects because hes does it well, and they receive positive public response. People truly admire someone who has come from nothing and made an empire for themselves; especially, when other people are able to benefit from ones success. There is no doubt, people will pay attention to someone “who has come a long way and still keeps a humble attitude and still has a lot of drive.” (Leow, 2007) Pan also uses the internet as a means of communication, mainly through his blog, “which he uses to comment on Chinas real estate industry.” (Leow, 2007) The blog has since become very popular and is used frequently for Mr. Pan to communicate his opinions for everyone to read. Pan also uses his popularity as a way to get through to the government and there role in real estate. His wife stated, “Where would we talk to the government if it wasnt through the media, the most powerful channel?” (Leow, 2007)
Planning and administration is very important in the real-estate market. Even with Ms. Zhangs Wall Street credentials and Cambridge degree, it takes a lot of business intuition and planning to make profitable business decisions. They know to scout for land in the central business district opposed to larger land elsewhere, because they specialize in retail and small office spaces. Zhang and Pan dont always take the easy route either, with their intuition they can see great potential even if no one else does. A direct result, Soho New Town, their newest venture. With all the success that Soho China has received, this too will bring them great success. They also know how to delegate jobs because they have a good understanding of both their strengths and weaknesses.
Working as a pair can result in unbalanced division of work or disagreements, but Zhang and Pan support each other in their strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps are better off as a team then apart. They utilize each others backgrounds to help their business and partnership. Zhang, who received a degree from a prestigious university and has spent time on Wall Street, uses this knowledge and experience for business savvy decisions. She is able to bring a lot of outside knowledge to the table. On the other hand, Pan had a much more humble up bringing and is more in tune with the Chinese culture. Therefore, “his mentality was more like the head of the family makes the decision on behalf of everyone for the goodness of everyone.” (Leow, 2007) They teach each other their different viewpoints and come to a common understanding about the core of the Chinese system and how the world runs outside of China.
Zhang and Pan are very fortunate that they have a firm grasp on the multi-cultural competency. Mr. Pan comes from the “traditional Chinese way”; he really understands “how the core of the Chinese system works.” (Leow, 2007) This is really beneficial to there company, since Ms. Zhang has been “Western-educated” and has not seen the more destitute sides of China. (Leow, 2007) When one has a successful business, it is not only necessary to know the prosperous culture surrounding there organization, but also the less fortunate