Be Like the Background

The Chinese prefer being the backdrop rather than the spotlight. This might be hard to grasp, but it’s actually at the core of Chinese philosophy.

Laozi said, “Blend with the light and become one with the dust. Shine, but do not dazzle.” This isn’t about putting the individual first. It’s more like building a platform.

In China, a true leader isn’t someone who does everything themselves. Instead, they give the team space, acting like a catalyst. They help each person’s unique strengths shine, boosting the whole group’s creativity.

That’s why real strength, in the Chinese view, isn’t about giving orders or showing off. It’s an inner fullness—like the ocean, calm on the surface, yet able to receive all the rivers of the world.

Such a leader creates a backdrop where everyone can play their role well. And that’s why no one can do without them.

Based on this idea, we designed “Be Like the Background.”

This quiet, almost unnoticeable presence is like the backdrop of a snowy mountain—not something flashy or eye-catching. But in Chinese thought, this is seen as the truest form of strength.