Li Shaotang said, "I want to tell our young people: once you enter the workforce, when you know it's time to leave and when you realize there's no future, you should bravely knock on your boss's door."
In his book Dare to Knock on Your Boss's Door, Mr. Li Shaotang of Oracle shared nearly two decades of his professional experience.
His father passed away early, and growing up in poverty drove Li Shaotang to resolve to "make big money."
After graduating high school, he enrolled in the Mathematics Department at Tamkang University in Taiwan, excelling academically. Yet he grew increasingly uncertain: What would he do after graduation? Become a teacher? A scholar?
None of these paths appealed to him.
The following year, Li planned to transfer to the English Department. When the department chair asked his reason for switching, he candidly replied, "I want to make big money."
The department head's response was even more direct: "You should study international trade."
Li Shaotang indeed transferred to the International Trade Department, determined to make his mark in the business world.
After graduation, many of his peers went to study in the United States. Although Li Shaotang scored highly on the TOEFL and GRE, he chose not to go. He wanted to find a job and escape poverty as quickly as possible.At this point, Li Shaotang also cautioned students dreaming of studying abroad: before pursuing overseas education, they should first assess their own capabilities and evaluate whether their family's financial situation can support the costs of studying abroad.
Li Shaotang targeted foreign enterprises for employment because "the salaries are high and the jobs are relatively stable."
He crafted 20 resumes, all submitted to prominent American corporations. Finally, he received an offer from IBM—the "poor kid" had become a white-collar worker at a foreign enterprise.
After joining IBM, every three months he would ask his boss, "Where am I falling short? How can I achieve an A-level performance rating? How can I earn an A?"
Li Shaotang believes that knocking on your boss's door is about communication! When interacting with your boss, keep three techniques in mind:
First, always maintain a gentle tone;
Second, stick strictly to facts;
Third, show respect.
Never tell your boss "You're wrong" in public. Instead, privately say, "I feel this approach isn't right.Why? Here are my reasons: one, two, three, four." But conclude by affirming, "I still respect your decision."
Li Shaotang states: "I want to tell our young people: once you enter the workforce, when you know it's time to leave or when you realize there's no future, you should bravely knock on your boss's door."
In your career, have you ever proactively knocked on your boss's door?