How to become a partner - Part 2

So how does one become a partner here in Hong Kong:

A. If Gweilo?

A.1  be appointed before you arrive in Hong Kong - this only applies to those who are already with the firm.

A.2 if above doesn't apply, don't even bother thinking about it - you have no chance. Unwritten rule: Gweilo will not be partner - just running dog.

B. If local

You have a chance, provide you follow some simple guidelines:

• Work harder NOT smarter - being smart is not appreciated.
• Stay in office until at least after midnight. Still only charge 8 hours. Never leave before partner - This shows you are dedicated to creating wealth for the partners and that you are committed to the glorious cause.
• Do not come into work on time, ever - this will indicate that you didn't stay late the previous night and these show no commitment to partners wealth gathering.
• Do not show initiative - this is not appreciated and may cause partner to lose face.
• Wear your access card around your neck with the firms name emblazoned on the necklace - partners like free advertising as it doesn't diminish their earnings.
• Do not do post-graduate tax courses, and if you foolishly do, do not pass - you cannot be seen to be better qualified than the partners (face issue!)
• Ensure you criticise all gweilos (partners included) to the local partners - this will show that you know how to sing from the same hymn sheet. 
• If you screw up, find any junior to blame (even if they were not involved) and then shout and scream at them in front of the whole office - this is compulsory partner training.
• Be rude to subordinates (and particularly secretaries) - another compulsory partner characteristic.
• You must not mentor, train or coach subordinates - they are potential threats and this is self defeating. 
• Demand respect - earning respect is for weak and decadent gweilos.
• Make sure you tell partners, particularly the one in whose whose backside your head is usually buried just how brilliant they are and how you wish you could be like them one day - they just love adulation and adoring minions
• Do not be too technically advanced you just need to follow perceived revenue practice - again a face issue with the local partners.
• Use communication difficulties as an excuse with clients when you cock-up - as a partner you are never wrong, clients are!
• Don't mix with the gweilos, not openly at least - they may corrupt you and tell you things you should not know.
• Never ask the partners questions at staff meetings, even when asked - partner has already told you everything you need to know.
• Do not be innovative or think "outside the box" - mediocrity is good.
• Do not delegate work, rather abdicate it - delegation and coaching is for gweilos
• Never discuss general matters with clients over lunch - just sell tax returns and revenue query responses.
• Learn about the HK Stock Exchange and find good tips - partners will love you as most of them day trade every day until lunchtime.
• Never admit that you don't know - this is a sign of weakness
• Never ever give an opinion - revenue knows best and it removes the possibility that you may be wrong.
• Most importantly, be prepared to spend years achieving your goal of making partner (unless your daddy is a BIG client) - loyalty is more valued than capability.