Chapter
HAIER CEO Mianmian Yang: The Accommodating
GE International Vice President Heather Xiaojun Wang: The Persevering
Neoglory Group President Xiaoguang Zhou: The Nourishing
Voith Paper Asia President and CEO Mingming Liu: The Reflecting
JD.com’s Chief Human Resources Officer and General Counsel Long Yu: The Empowering
Peng Lei, Chief People Officer of Alibaba Group and President of Ant Financial Service: The Adapting
Ogilvy & Mather Greater China Vice Chairman Shenan Chuang: The Dedicating
1. The She-Era–Is It Here Yet?
A Women’s Leadership Revolution Runs Deep
The Rise of Women Leaders in Business
Is Leadership Still a Masculine Enterprise?
Feminization of Management
The Tortuous Path of “She-Leadership”
The Glass Ceiling Remains Steadfast in Women’s Minds
Double Standard in Success Criteria
A Fine Line Between Being Feminine but not Too Feminine
Chinese Women in a Changing World
2. Chinese Philosophy of Water
Lao-Tzu’s Philosophy of Life: The Greatest Virtue Is Like That of Water
Confucius’ Philosophy of Water
The Greatest Virtue of Leadership Is Like Water
Ocean: the principle of accommodating and inclusive of differences
River: The principle of perseverance in moving toward the direction
Rain: The principle of nourishing based on altruism and resourcefulness
Lake: The principle of reflective and remain calm in storm
Waterfall: The principle of empowering
Shapelessness: the principle of adaptability and maintain the dumpy level
Water Droplet: The principle of dedication in penetrating in depth
3. Ocean: The Accommodating
Unyielding, All-Encompassing, Resilient
Embracing the Opportunities That Come in with New Tides
An Immense Presence Through Selfless Influence
Accepting All Circumstances, Nurturing All Opportunities
Resilience Is Key when Face Adversity
Encouraging the Ocean Within
4. River: The Persevering
Determined, Steadfast, Connecting
The Start of the River’s Flow
Strong Currents Sway Even the Harshest Opponent
A New Life Around the Riverbend
A Humble Stream Becomes a Roaring River
Keep Calm Like the River Flows
A River Diversifies Its Path
Nurturing, Resourceful, Altruistic
Hardship in the Mountains
The Businesswoman Becomes a Politician
Hard-Learned Lessons in Trust
Never Stop Absorbing Knowledge
Clouds Need Support to Rain
A Broad-Hearted and Dignified Leader
Calm, Reflective, Empathic
As Insightful as It Is Beautiful
Depth of Spirit, Clarity of Mind
A Constant Test of Strength
Rediscovering Inner Willpower
The Truth Behind Her Enduring Depths
Constant Deepening of Waters
7. Waterfall: The Empowering
Energetic, Adventurous, Tireless
A Bold Leap into New Waters
A Powerful Force Driving Change
When the Boss Is a Bottleneck, Strong Waters Break Through
From Confusion to Consensus
Rapid Waves Bring Positive Change
Unleashing Huge Potential
The Soft Touch of Mighty Falls
A Roaring Waterfall Cascades into a Serene Pond
8. Water is Shapeless: The Adapting
Responsive, Leveling, Dynamic
Shifting to Unpredictable Waters
From Shapeless Vapors to a Roaring Presence
Shifting as the Environment Demands
9. Water Droplet: The Dedicating
Reliable and Persistent Force
Finding Focus and Direction to Drop
Penetrate Your Goal, No Matter the Challenge
Blend Both Hard and Soft Skills
Inspiring New Droplets to Spring Forth
A Slow, Sustained Drip May Be More Effective Than a Torrent
Staying Focused when Making Choices