Biggest Challenges Faced By a Deputy Director of Battery Manufacturing at Gotion High Tech
Mohamad's biggest challenge as Deputy Director of Battery Manufacturing at Gotion High Tech is adapting to the Chinese culture and language, finding "it difficult to try to get them back onto speaking English" in technical meetings. This cultural and linguistic adjustment, coupled with navigating differing work styles between a US-based approach and the company's methods, presents a significant, yet ultimately productive, learning experience as both sides adapt.
International Relations, Cross-Cultural Communication, Adaptability, Overcoming Challenges, Global Business
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mohamad Ali Zeitoun
Deputy Director of Battery Manufacturing
Currently Gotion High Tech. Previously Tesla Battery manufacturing
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
None
Business & Related, International Relations & Affairs
Energy & Utilities
Business Strategy
Immigrant
Video Highlights
1. Mohamad's experience highlights the importance of adaptability and cultural awareness in international business. His challenges in navigating a Chinese work environment, including language barriers and cultural differences in communication styles, underscore the need for cross-cultural competency in a globalized industry.
2. The evolution of Mohamad's relationship with his Chinese colleagues, from initial conflict to mutual learning and adaptation, showcases the potential for bridging cultural gaps and achieving collaborative success.
3. Mohamad's account emphasizes the value of continuous learning and professional development. His efforts to learn Mandarin and his ongoing adaptation to different work styles demonstrate the importance of personal growth and skill enhancement for career advancement in a dynamic industry.
Transcript
What's your biggest challenge in your role?
The biggest challenge is adjusting to the culture and the language because this is a Chinese company. I started taking Chinese classes when I joined the company in May 2023, and it was going pretty well.
However, I began to feel overwhelmed with work. While I learned to introduce myself and ask for things, and can follow a conversation in Chinese, I get lost when technical terms are used in meetings.
The most frustrating thing is when people who share the same culture and language find it easier to speak in their native tongue. Meetings sometimes start in English but then transition entirely to Chinese, and it's difficult to steer them back to English.
Using translation apps helps with the language, and while I understand different cultures due to my background from the Middle East and extensive travel, it's not always easy for everyone, or even for me at times, to adjust to different ways of doing things.
This often leads to conflicts when a foreign company in the U.S. tries to operate their way while also trying to adopt the U.S. approach. It's a frustrating learning curve for both sides.
In the past year and a half, they have made significant adjustments. They've learned that some of the issues we flagged were indeed problems, and they've realized they should consider the U.S. way of doing things because we understand the local context.
Similarly, we've learned that some of their methods are faster. We've adopted some of their skills for working more efficiently. Being able to adapt and learn from each other helps, even though it's still frustrating at times.