Our First Cultural Faux Pas

It was Wednesday evening, and after two days of interviewing and deliberating, most of the teachers were still in a huge meeting room in a different part of the hotel waiting for word on who would come to America to teach in these six independent schools. Some had been waiting since early that day. Some had spent two days wondering and waiting. Paul Miller delivered the news, and the six of us gathered our wits, excited for those coming to America, but never forgetting those who would not get this opportunity this time around.

The teachers, tired and a little shy, entered the rooms and hugged their new bosses. After a "get to know you" conversation and some signing of paperwork, we suggested a group picture. Several of the men set up chairs in a curved line. The room did not have enough chairs for all of the teachers, but these teachers are smaller than the average American, so we thought they would fit fine on 2/3 of a chair or however it was turning out.

When we suggested that they sit, and we would stand behind them, there was a great outpouring of "No, we can't do that!" We asked why not. Was this the first sign of rebellion with papers signed only minutes earlier? Was it "Mutiny in the Nikko"? Who was in charge here?

The teachers explained that in China it would be very disrespectful for them to sit while their bosses, the "higher in rank" were standing. We tried to convince them that they were coming to America and that it would be okay. They insisted, though, and one of us said, "You know, guys, we're still in China. Maybe we need to follow Chinese customs. There's plenty of time to do things the 'American Way' next year."

So the Americans squeezed into the less than one chair per person, and you might as well know that even though none of us is bigger than the average person in America, we did not fit well, so the picture you will see is less than perfect! But, oh what a great time it was, and how proud we were that we had chosen our teachers well, that we had come through a cultural faux pas with a little bit of dignity (not a lot, you'll see, when you see our crowded picture), and we had completed the hiring job with respect and admiration for each candidate.

So take a look at our group picture.