Ren Zhengfei in My Memory

By Zhang Jianguo

Our generation grew up in a planned economy,where most university graduates would settle for life into a government-assigned job.This system was known as the “Iron Rice Bowl.” Since the reform and opening-up policy was implemented in 1978,people around the country flooded to Southern China and aspired to have a fulfilling future.But why did Shenzhen become an ideal destination for people at that time? It was because that no grain coupons were needed to buy foods,and even hukou (household registration certificates) and personnel files were unnecessary in this city.All you needed to do was to blend in with the city life,find a job,and make a living.

One day in April 1990,when I stepped out of the Shenzhen Railway Station,I took a threehour bus ride to reach Huaweifor a job interview.The company occupied a total area of about 50 square meters on the eighth floor of Building 16 in District A of Nanyou,an old shabby building of a small size.At that time,Ren Zhengfei,Huawei’s founder and CEO,would interview the applicants in person,but he was not present when I arrived.It was extremely hot in Shenzhen,and I waited until he showed up.“Please allow me to take a shower before the interview,” he said.In no time,Ren was interviewing me—fresh out of the shower.My background and experience,including a bachelor’s degree in automation,a master’s degree (a rarity then) in telecommunication,several shining prizes,and a job as a university teacher after graduation,must have impressed him;he announced instantly,“Very good.Welcome to the team!”

Ren Zhengfei is the founder and CEO of Huawei Technologies,one of the world's largest manufacturer of telecommunication hardware and mobile phones任正非，华为技术有限公司主要创始人兼总裁

I didn’t expect a high salary at Huawei at that time.I just wanted something sufficient to earn a living.The next day,I started to work there,and moved to the factory dorm.The dorm consisted of a dozen compartments subdivided from a large hall,with a bed and a table in each.

In fact,Ren had already planted the seed of the Huawei spirit then.In the face of various difficulties and hardships,all company staff lived together at the factory.A small canteen was placed at the entrance;an office area was arranged in the main part;and a warehouse and the dorm were set at the back.We would all work shirtless in the baking heat.We rushed to take showers after our shifts before supper.When everyone was finished,Ren,dressed in a T-shirt and shorts,would stroll towards us and begin telling us stories.We would each bring a small stool and sit around him.Since he once served in the army,most of his stories were military related,such as how the Battle of Triangle Hill was won and what the 1950-53 Korean War was like.With his emotional and passionate narration,we were so carried away that a whole day’s weariness and fatigue vanished.

Ren was particularly good at motivating his fellow workers.He often told success stories about the people he admired and those who had shaped his personal life.In my memory,he frequently mentioned two figures that he idolized.One was Han Xin,a general in Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 8).Ren strongly believed that a successful man ought to go through countless ordeals and hardships.The other was Auntie Aqing,a heroine in one modern Peking Opera namedShachiapang,who ran a tea house at a busy crossroad.Ren appreciated her “customer first” service,as she always offered tea drinkers the best treatment by following the principle “laying out the large square table to entertain guests near and far.” By sharing these stories with his staff,Ren inspired them to prioritize hard work and good service.