The Best Way for US Business Execs to Handle the Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year 2011 or 4709 depending on your perspective, began effectively February 2 on New Years Eve will lasts through the Festival of Lanterns on February 17. This is the year of the Rabbit.

Many years ago as a child, my first exposure to the Chinese New Year was on a typical placemat in a New York chinese restaurant. It was a colorful introduction to the zodiac calendar and the personalities attributed to those born in each respective year.

Those born in the year of the Rabbit include, Michael Jordan, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, John Lennon, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and George Washingtoand our very own Steve Ganster.The year of the Rabbit is traditionally associated with home and family, artistic pursuits, diplomacy, and keeping the peace. Therefore, 2011 is very likely to be a relatively calmer one than 2010 both on the world scene, as well as on a personal level.

Its been my experience that business executives should experience some part of the new year because it is such a part of the countrys culture. Its also a time when the deadlines of work take a back seat to priorities of family. During this time, it is best for hard charging business executives to chill, give that smartphone a rest and enjoy the surroundings. This includes executives outside of China who work with businesses in China. It may seem like a lot of down time. Your timetable will not take precedence during this two week period. So, here is how I have spent my time this year.

Top Ten Things Ive Done While Waiting for Chinese New Year Holiday To End

10. Bought two rabbits and set up bunny hutch in my NY apartment

9. Re-Read War and Peace

8. Wrote Sequel to War and Peace

7. Opened China phone book and started counting to se! e if the re are 1.3 or 1.4 billion people

6. Saw a movie for the first time since Moon Festival

5. Dealt with 68 new Bunnies in hutch

4. Read 12th 5 year plan for 144th time

3. Blew fingertip off with firecracker

2. Dealt with 245 new rabbits in Hutch

And the number one activity

1. Wonder which of my employees will actually come back from Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year.