磨合过程: Friction to smoothness
Learned a nifty term recently that I think demonstrates how the Chinese language so much meaning in a few characters: 磨合过程 (mó hé guò chéng).
When I first heard it, the first thing I thought of was the Bruce’s Tuckman’s 1965 team development framework (forming, storming, norming, performing [1]), and how “磨合过程” captures that even more concisely? But there’s more, and I thought it’ll be fun to cover it here.
Definitions
- Literal: the process of relentless grinding to make things smooth. “磨合”is the friction/grinding, “过程” is the process.
- Gemini translation and definition: It is commonly used to refer to the period of time it takes for two or more things to fit together smoothly and work well together. It is often a period of trial and error during which different parts or people learn to work together smoothly and efficiently. This process can be frustrating at times, but it is ultimately necessary for success.
How 磨合过程 applies
In the context which 磨合过程 was explained to me, it was a process about people learning to work together in a team, and perhaps having friction in the process, but then learning to work together in harmony. This sounding alot like the “storming” phase in team formation framework — teams having constructive conflict as they start to work together.
I also learned from Gemini that there were other usages. Directly pasting Gemini’s answers here:
Breaking in a new machine: When you buy a new machine, it often needs to be “broken in” before it can operate at its full potential. This means that the different parts of the machine need to wear down and fit together smoothly. During the break-in period, you may need to avoid using the machine at full capacity or for extended periods of time.
Adapting to a new job or environment: When you start a new job or move to a new city, it takes time to adjust to your new surroundings and learn how to work effectively in your new role. This process of adaptation is often referred to as “磨合” (mó hé).
Building relationships: When you first meet someone, it takes time to get to know them and build a relationship with them. This process of getting to know someone and learning how to interact with them is also referred to as “磨合” (mó hé).
From googling (I had to check the Gemini output before I spread fake news to readers. Good news is that it is accurate!) and baidu-ing (with my rusty chinese), one extra detail on building relationships was the usage of the 磨合 term in romantic relationships — “恋爱磨合期” (liàn’ài móhé qī). This referred to the early stage of a romantic relationship where a couple is getting to know each other, but is adjusting to each other’s personalities and habits, and so face some challenges and disagreements. Definitely not the focus of this post or blog 😆, but interesting nonetheless.
Nuances
磨合过程 is a more general concept than Tuckman’s team formation framework, as shown in its usage across various scenarios beyond team formation. 磨合过程 also reminded me of the biblical proverb “iron sharpens iron”, which captures the idea of friction/challenges leading to growth, though less in a team context, and more directly between individuals.
磨合过程 can be applied in multiple scenarios depending on the context, and holds so much meaning in four characters. I found it comforting — that there’s a term to capture the often disquieting or discomforting parts of adjusting to something new, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, but that it is part of the process of something eventually becoming smoother.
[1] Drilled in from Wharton undergrad management classes. An overview here: https://hr.mit.edu/learning-topics/teams/articles/stages-development
