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The Gift of a Clock:
A Lesson in Cultural Intelligence

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FEBRUARY 2026
Framing the Issue

The Gift of a Clock:
A Lesson in Cultural Intelligence

February 2026 | 604 words | 3-MIN READ

On the eve of Chinese New Year of Horse, I remember decades ago when a client of mine was to visit China to meet prospective joint venture partners. He asked me for advice. Other than the essential business practice pointers, I wanted to highlight something about local cultural practice, so I said, “This is a very hospitable nation, and a relationship and connection society. Small gifts are often an effective gesture of good will which help to build relationships.”

He took the advice seriously and arrived with beautifully wrapped, elegant little alarm clocks—tasteful, practical, and engraved with his company logo…

Consulting, Leadership, Advisory, Strategy, Prime & Magnolia, person with yellow comfy comfortable sleeves working on a laptop on a wooden desk, focused on hands with silver or stainless bangles

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