Chinese decision-making emphasizes creating favorable conditions before deciding or acting. The wise decision-maker prepares—gathering resources, building relationships, establishing positions—so that when decisions are made, conditions favor success. This shifts decision-making earlier in time; the most important choices may be positioning decisions that shape what options become available later. Invest in preparation: build relationships before you need them, develop capabilities before opportunities arise, establish positions before you must decide.
When you see Chinese counterparts seemingly delaying decisions, they may be preparing the ground for success. Strategic patience—preparing conditions rather than forcing premature decisions—characterizes this approach. Victory is won through preparation before the decision moment; the formal decision often ratifies what preparation has made inevitable.
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