What Huawei’s ‘Flowers in Manure’ Strategy Teaches About Sustainable Business Growth

Preface

Huawei’s success is undeniable, yet its path was not a sudden breakthrough; it was built on humble, pragmatic experiences that often clash with the fast‑paced internet era. The article presents eight stories repeatedly told by Ren Zhengfei, offering practical lessons for entrepreneurs.

Planting Flowers in Manure

Huawei once blindly copied Western companies, learning the hard way that sustainable innovation must be rooted in existing strengths. Ren emphasizes the "flowers in manure" strategy: innovate on the basis of what already exists, allowing the new growth to become the next fertile ground.

The Deadly Red Shoes

Inspired by Andersen’s fairy tale, the red shoes symbolize the lure of rapid, unsustainable success that can lead to a company’s demise. Ren warns that leaders must avoid chasing short‑term glory at the expense of the organization’s long‑term survival.

The Hero Dan Ke Story

Dan Ke sacrifices his own heart to illuminate a path out of a dark forest, becoming a guiding star for his people. Ren likens Huawei’s pioneers in telecommunications to Dan Ke, urging the company to lead the industry with a customer‑centric mindset rather than a technology‑centric one.

Red Army vs. Blue Army

In military exercises, the "blue army" acts as the adversary, forcing the "red army" to improve. Ren argues that internal dissent (the blue army) is essential for growth; embracing opposing views creates a vibrant, resilient organization.

Deep Ditch, Low Dam (深淘滩，低作堰)

Borrowing from the ancient Dujiangyan water‑control principle, "deep ditch" means continuously excavating internal potential and reducing costs, while "low dam" means limiting profit margins to benefit customers and upstream suppliers. This dual approach sustains the entire industry chain.

Force Through One Hole, Benefit Through One Hole

Ren compares the focused thrust of a rocket nozzle to concentrated corporate effort: when a large workforce concentrates on a single strategic point, the resulting impact can propel the company forward dramatically.

Kung Fu Outside the Poem – Experience Determines Height

Quoting poet Lu You, Ren stresses that mastery comes from real‑world experience, not just theoretical study. He himself prefers history and philosophy over pure management books, believing broader knowledge sharpens leadership.

How Can Managers Improve Their Management Level?

Reading management literature is necessary but insufficient; top managers should also study humanities to develop a broader perspective, enabling them to handle complex organizational challenges more effectively.

Excessive Complaints Lead to Rupture – Keep a Broad Vision

Drawing from Mao Zedong’s poem, Ren advises leaders to maintain a calm, long‑term outlook amid setbacks, fostering resilience and harmonious teamwork across all levels of the organization.