In a recent LinkedIn post, Choo Ann NGOH shares a personal anecdote about a language barrier during an acupuncture session to highlight critical communication lessons for modern leaders. The post, which details a humorous yet insightful experience from 30 years ago, underscores the importance of clear communication in a diverse workforce.
Choo Ann NGOH recounts the situation where a misunderstanding with a Chinese acupuncturist, referred to as ‘Sifu,’ nearly led to an unpleasant experience due to differing interpretations of a Mandarin phrase.
“The Sifu inserts the first needle / I heard him ask me something like ‘Suan bu suan?’ / Now, in Mandarin, this phrase could mean: 1️⃣ Is it sour? OR 2️⃣ Is it painful?”
The author explains that they, identifying as a “Banana” (a term for someone of Asian descent who primarily speaks English), initially interpreted the Sifu’s question about pain as a question about taste, leading to confusion. This personal story serves as a powerful metaphor for the potential breakdowns in understanding within business teams.
The “Suan Bu Suan” Dilemma in Business
Choo Ann NGOH draws a direct parallel between the acupuncture incident and common workplace scenarios. The core issue, as highlighted by the author, is the assumption of shared understanding.
“In business, we often ‘insert the needles’ (start projects, set KPIs, give instructions) assuming the other party is on the same page,” Choo Ann NGOH writes. This assumption, the author argues, can lead to significant problems if not proactively addressed.
The Danger of “Actual Intelligence” Breakdowns
The post elaborates on the “Breakdown in ‘Actual Intelligence'” stemming from misaligned assumptions. Choo Ann NGOH points out the Sifu’s assumption that the author, looking Chinese, would automatically understand his Mandarin, and the author’s own assumption about the meaning of the phrase.
“My brother stepped in just in time to explain that I was a banana 🤦♂️”
This reliance on assumptions, Choo Ann NGOH emphasizes, can be detrimental. The author humorously notes the common business adage, “Never assume. It makes an ‘ASS’ out of ‘U’ and ‘ME’.”
Key Leadership Takeaways for 2026 and Beyond
Choo Ann NGOH distills the experience into actionable advice for leaders navigating diverse teams. The central theme is the necessity of proactive communication and the admission of uncertainty.
Checking the Pulse Before the Crisis
A crucial piece of advice offered by Choo Ann NGOH is to address potential misunderstandings before they escalate into major issues. “Don’t wait for the third ‘needle’ (the crisis) to realize there’s a misunderstanding lah😱😅,” the author cautions.
The Power of Admitting “I Don’t Understand”
Choo Ann NGOH strongly advocates for humility in communication. The post stresses that admitting a lack of understanding is a sign of strength, not weakness. “Whether you’re the CEO or a solopreneur, shamelessly admitting ‘I don’t understand’ saves more money than pretending you do,” Choo Ann NGOH states.
“The Sifu’s Assumption: He assumed that because I looked like a Chinese, I will automatically understand his question in Mandarin 🙈🙊🙉”
The author concludes by posing a challenge to readers, asking how they ensure alignment within their teams and whether their communication is “Suan” (painful) or “Sui” (beautiful).
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Choo Ann NGOH on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 21, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →