Siheyuan: Starting as a Chef Apprentice

His movements were skillful and his techniques were neat. The ingredients in the pot flew up and down under his skillful hands. After a while, a dish of Kung Pao Chicken with delicious color, aroma and taste was presented in front of everyone, and the rich fragrance filled the entire hall.

"You see, this is the charm of Chinese cooking, which requires precise matching of heat, cooking techniques and seasonings."

Lao Zhang introduced it to everyone with a smile, his eyes revealing his pride in Chinese cooking skills.

The South American employees gathered around, their eyes full of curiosity and amazement.

Andre couldn't help but ask, "Master Zhang, this dish looks so complicated. Is there any particular order in which these seasonings should be added?" Old Zhang patiently replied, "Of course there is! Each seasoning must be added at the right time to stimulate their fragrance and make the dish rich in taste and distinct in layers."

Next, it was the turn of South American employees to share their local food culture.

Maria stood up with a confident smile on her face. She picked up the tortilla on the table and introduced it to everyone: "This is a very famous tortilla in Brazil. Its production method is very simple, but it is an indispensable delicacy on our table.

Plus, we eat tacos in so many different ways, with meats, vegetables, and all kinds of sauces, and it tastes amazing.”

During the sharing process, everyone asked questions enthusiastically and the atmosphere of communication was very lively.

Chinese chef Xiao Li asked curiously: "Maria, how do you make the special sauce you put on the barbecue?" Maria smiled and replied: "We make that sauce with chili, garlic, onion and some special spices. Different families may have different recipes, but they are basically the same ingredients.

This sauce gives the barbecue a unique flavor.”

The “Cultural Exchange Day” event enabled employees to have a deeper understanding of each other’s culture and eased the tense atmosphere.

But Wang Jianye knew that this was not enough, and there needed to be a set of clear rules and regulations to regulate everyone's behavior.

So he organized people to compile a multilingual work manual, which not only listed in detail in Chinese and Portuguese the service standards for each position from the kitchen to the restaurant, but also clarified the reward and punishment system.

“This work manual is the code of conduct that we all abide by. Please read it carefully and feel free to ask questions if you have any questions.

We need to ensure the hotel's service quality through clear systems, while also creating a fair and just working environment for everyone."

Wang Jianye said as he distributed the work manual to every employee.

In addition, Wang Jianye also established the "Team Collaboration Award".

If a team has no cultural conflict issues within a week and has high work efficiency and customer satisfaction, the team will receive a generous bonus and a certificate of honor.

“This award is to encourage everyone to learn from each other, help each other, break down cultural barriers, and work together for the development of the hotel.

As long as we unite as one, we can do better.”

When announcing the establishment of the award, Wang Jianye looked at each employee with a firm gaze.

With the launch of “Cultural Exchange Day”, the promotion of multilingual work manuals and the establishment of “Teamwork Award”, positive changes have gradually taken place in the hotel’s staff team.

In the kitchen, Chinese chefs no longer blindly blame the local waiters, but patiently guide them.

When Lao Zhang saw that Andre was having difficulty learning the Chinese serving process, he took the initiative to walk over, patted him on the shoulder and said, “Andre, don’t worry.

The serving process is actually not difficult, I will tell you in detail.

First remember the route, then pay attention to the order and posture of serving the dishes. Come, I will show you."

Andre looked at Lao Zhang gratefully: "Thank you, Master Zhang, I really didn't understand before, now I will work hard to learn it well."

Under Lao Zhang's patient guidance, Andre's serving skills became more and more proficient.

In the restaurant, local waiters also have a better understanding of the rigor and importance of Chinese kitchens.

Maria saw how carefully and conscientiously the Chinese chefs prepared the ingredients, and couldn't help but say to her colleague next to her: "Look how seriously they work, they don't miss any step, no wonder the dishes they make are so delicious.

We also need to learn from them this serious and responsible attitude.”

The cooperation between employees is becoming more and more tacit.

During a large dinner reception, the number of orders far exceeded usual and the entire restaurant was extremely busy.

But this time, there was no quarrel or confusion among employees from different cultural backgrounds.

The Chinese chefs are concentrating on cooking in the kitchen, while the local waiters are shuttling between the tables, serving the guests quickly and accurately.

Chinese employees in South America act as a bridge of communication, helping both sides better understand each other's intentions.

Ultimately, the event was a huge success, with customers raving about the food and service.

After the event, Wang Jianye proudly announced that the team had won this week’s “Teamwork Award”.

Everyone cheered and their faces were filled with proud smiles.

“This is the result of everyone’s joint efforts! I have seen your progress and unity. As long as we continue to maintain this state, the future of the hotel will definitely be even better.”

Wang Jianye said excitedly.

In the days that followed, the trust between the team continued to deepen, and work efficiency and service quality improved significantly.

The restaurant's business is becoming more and more prosperous, not only attracting more local customers, but also becoming a must-visit food destination for tourists visiting São Paulo.

On a relaxing weekend, the employees spontaneously organized a dinner party.

Everyone sat together, laughing and talking.

The table was filled with Chinese and South American specialties. While sharing the food with each other, they also shared the little things in work and life.

"We used to have conflicts due to cultural differences, but now we have become one big united family, which is really amazing."

Andre said with emotion, holding a drink in his hand and looking at everyone.

Lao Zhang responded with a smile: "Yes, cultural differences are not terrible. As long as everyone is willing to understand and learn from each other, we can create better results together."

Wang Jianye sat quietly by the side, watching this happy scene, his heart filled with emotion and relief: "In the beginning, it took a lot of thought to solve the problem of team culture conflict, but now seeing everyone getting along harmoniously, everything is worth it."

He knows very well that although this process of cross-cultural integration is full of twists and turns, it has made the hotel's team more resilient and more cohesive.

In the future, no matter what challenges they face, he firmly believes that this big family can face them together and move forward hand in hand.

As time went by, the reputation of Wang's branch in Sao Paulo became more and more famous. In addition to being attracted by the unique charm of Chinese cuisine, the guests who came to dine here also praised the efficient and orderly service of the restaurant and the harmonious atmosphere among the employees.

Many guests said that here they can not only taste delicious food, but also feel the unique charm of the harmonious blend of different cultures.

After learning about the Wang branch's unique team management experience and cultural integration results, local media came to interview.

A reporter curiously asked Wang Jianye: "Boss Wang, can you share how you successfully promoted cross-cultural team integration? This is a difficult problem in many companies."

Wang Jianye smiled and replied: "It's actually very simple, we just need to respect and understand the differences between different cultures and communicate with an open mind.

At the same time, we must establish a fair and reasonable system to allow everyone to give full play to their respective strengths within the framework of the rules.

The most important thing is to create a united and harmonious atmosphere so that everyone feels like a member of a big family and works towards a common goal."

The reporter turned to Chinese chef Lao Zhang and Brazilian waiter Andre: "What about you? After going through so much, what is your biggest feeling now?" Lao Zhang said with deep emotion: "At the beginning, I really felt that it was difficult to get along with them, but through these activities and efforts, I found that every culture has its shining points. We learn from each other and make progress together. Now my work is much happier than before."

Andre also smiled and said, “Yes, I used to think that the rules in Chinese kitchens were too strict, but now I understand that these rules can ensure such delicious dishes.

And working with you all, I learned a lot of new things and made a lot of good friends.”

After the interview, Wang Jianye looked at the staff in the hotel who were still busy and orderly, and felt deeply: "Cultural differences used to be a challenge for us, but now they have become our precious wealth.

Our team has bridged cultural gaps and gained growth and friendship.

In the future, we will continue to move forward with this strength and spread the charm of the fusion of Chinese cuisine and diverse cultures further.”

Since then, more and more companies and organizations have come to Wang’s branch to learn and exchange cross-cultural team management experience.

Wang Jianye and his team share their secrets and insights to success without reservation.

In this process, Wang's branch has not only become a leader in the catering industry, but also a model of cross-cultural communication and cooperation.

On a summer evening, the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the windows of the restaurant, reflecting a warm glow.

The employees ended a busy day but were still full of energy.

In the restaurant, they shared interesting things that happened that day and discussed the development of new dishes.

Wang Jianye stood in the corner of the restaurant, watching all this quietly, with an inexplicable emotion surging in his heart.

……

In Sao Paulo, a city full of vitality and diversity, all branches of Wang's restaurants have established a firm foothold in the local catering market after a period of hard work.

The restaurant's unique Chinese cuisine flavor has attracted more and more diners, and the restaurant is often packed and bustling.

Whenever night falls, the hotel's sign lights shine brightly, becoming an eye-catching landscape on the street.

Wang Jianye was pleased to see the hotel's booming business, but what he didn't know was that a sudden crisis was quietly approaching.

Several large local catering groups saw that Wang's Restaurant was a rising star and had taken away many of their customers, and they gradually became jealous and wary.

They were unwilling to see their market share taken by a foreign Chinese restaurant, so after some discussion, they decided to unite and suppress Wang's Restaurant by unfair means.

For a time, a series of negative reports about Wang's Hotel appeared in major media in São Paulo.

These reports claim that "Chinese restaurants use unhygienic ingredients" and "Oriental cuisine poses food safety risks."

The eye-catching title and misleading and offensive content quickly caused an uproar among local residents.

The entrance of Wang's Restaurant, which was once bustling, has now become deserted.

After seeing these reports, those customers who were once passionate about Chinese cuisine changed their minds and no longer set foot in the restaurant.

There were even some excited customers who spontaneously gathered at the restaurant entrance, holding signs to protest against the restaurant's so-called "unhygienic behavior" and shouting for an explanation.

Wang Jianye stood at the entrance of the hotel, looking at the chaotic scene, feeling mixed emotions.

Anger, helplessness and anxiety are intertwined.

"These rumors are totally fabricated! We have always strictly controlled the quality of food and hygiene standards, how could we be slandered like this!" He clenched his fists, his eyes revealing anger and unwillingness.

At this time, an angry customer walked up to Wang Jianye, pointed at him and asked loudly: "What's wrong with your restaurant? Is it really like what the report said, using unhygienic ingredients? How dare we come to eat here?" Wang Jianye hurriedly explained: "Sir, please calm down first.

Those reports are all rumors! Our restaurant has always attached great importance to food safety and hygiene. The ingredients we purchase are strictly screened, and the cleaning and management of the kitchen also have strict standards.

Please trust us.”

The customer frowned, full of suspicion: "Why are there so many negative reports? This is not groundless, right?" Wang Jianye sighed helplessly: "This is malicious competition from our peers. They are jealous of our good business, so they spread these false information to mislead everyone.

But we will definitely prove our innocence with facts.”

However, the customer did not completely believe what he said. He just snorted coldly and turned away.

Wang Jianye looked at the customers leaving, feeling heavy in his heart: "We must take action as soon as possible, otherwise the restaurant will really be finished."

Wang Jianye knew very well that it would be difficult to quickly quell the turmoil relying solely on the hotel's own strength.

He immediately thought of the local Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese Embassy in Brazil.

Wang Jianye hurried to the office of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and met with the Chamber of Commerce President Mr. Lin.

Mr. Lin is a Chinese entrepreneur with great prestige in Sao Paulo. Seeing Wang Jianye rushing over with an anxious look on his face, he quickly asked, "Xiao Wang, what happened? Why are you so anxious?"

Wang Jianye told Mr. Lin everything about the malicious slander against the hotel, and finally said anxiously: "President Lin, the hotel's business has plummeted and customers are afraid to come.

Do you think the Chamber of Commerce can help me?" After hearing this, Mr. Lin nodded solemnly and said, "This is outrageous! It's not easy for us Chinese to do business here, how can we let them bully us like this?

Don't worry, the Chamber of Commerce will fully support you.

We will contact the relevant media to speak up for you and give you justice." (End of this chapter)