Ren Zhengfei’s Latest Remarks: Forget the Difficulties, Just Do It; Criticism Keeps Us Sharp

In a recent interview published today, Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei offered a characteristically pragmatic and stoic perspective on the company’s current challenges, focusing on execution and maintaining a critical self-awareness. The interview, conducted by *People’s Daily*, delved into several key topics, providing insights into Huawei’s resilience and approach to its evolving market position.

When asked about navigating external pressures and restrictions, Ren’s response was strikingly direct. He dismissed dwelling on difficulties, famously stating, “It is not worth thinking about, there is no use in thinking about it, just get on with it and do it. Move forward step by step.” This mantra underscores Huawei’s operational philosophy: prioritizing action and incremental progress irrespective of the obstacles encountered.

Ren also addressed the increasing public recognition and praise Huawei has received, acknowledging the weight of expectations that come with such visibility. He noted that positive sentiment brings its own set of pressures, and that criticism serves as a valuable reality check. “When people say we are good, we also feel a great deal of pressure. When people scold us a little, we will be more clear-headed,” he elaborated.

The emphasis on open feedback, even negative, highlighted a commitment to continuous improvement. “We are selling products, and criticism goes with use, this is normal. We allow others to scold us. As long as they tell the truth, even if it contains criticism, we support it.” This openness suggests a corporate culture that values honest feedback and external perspectives.

Ultimately, the interview revealed a leadership philosophy centered on self-reliance and unwavering commitment to the task at hand. As Ren succinctly put it, “Do not care about praise or criticism, but care about your ability to do things well. If you do things well, there is no problem.”