Saving Face
How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust
Resumen de Saving Face
In "Saving Face," Maya Hu-Chan redefines an Asian concept as a universal leadership principle. Endorsed by Marshall Goldsmith and Frances Hesselbein, it reveals how preserving dignity builds trust across cultures. What if the secret to effective leadership isn't power, but honoring others' humanity?
Temas clave en Saving Face
- cross-cultural intelligence
- preserving human dignity
- social capital management
- psychological safety
- intercultural conflict resolution
Citas de Saving Face
Face represents far more than avoiding embarrassment-it's the fundamental currency of human dignity.
Authentic face-saving requires genuine intention, not empty platitudes.
Face encompasses your self-esteem, self-worth, identity, reputation, status, pride, and dignity.
We all share the same fundamental human needs-appreciation, respect, authenticity, and consideration.
Personajes en Saving Face
- Maya Hu-ChanAuthor and global leadership expert
- MelissaHarvard graduate used as a case study on shame
- Sara KonrathResearcher who studied empathy trends
Sobre el Autor
Sobre el autor de Saving Face
Maya Hu-Chan, bestselling author of Saving Face, is an internationally recognized leadership expert, executive coach, and cross-cultural management authority. A Top 8 Global Solutions Thinker (Thinkers50) and World’s Top 30 Leadership Guru, her work focuses on fostering trust, dignity, and inclusive leadership in global organizations. Her insights draw from decades of coaching Fortune 500 executives and founding Global Leadership Associates, a consultancy specializing in bridging multicultural workplace challenges.
Hu-Chan’s acclaimed book Global Leadership: The Next Generation, a Harvard Business School Working Knowledge recommended title, established her as a visionary in developing adaptable leaders for interconnected teams. A columnist for Inc.com and contributing author to 14 business books, she merges academic rigor—including a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania—with real-world experience as a former CEO and broadcaster.
Saving Face became an Amazon #1 bestseller, with translations spanning multiple languages, and remains a go-to resource for leaders navigating identity, respect, and collaboration in diverse environments. Born in Taiwan and based in San Diego, Hu-Chan’s bilingual fluency and cross-cultural perspective underpin her global credibility.
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Preguntas Frecuentes Sobre Este Libro
Saving Face explores the Chinese cultural concept of "face" (dignity, reputation, and social standing) and its global relevance in leadership and cross-cultural relationships. Maya Hu-Chan provides actionable strategies, like her BUILD model, to help leaders preserve dignity, foster trust, and navigate diverse teams effectively.
This book is ideal for leaders, managers, and professionals working in multicultural environments. It’s particularly valuable for those seeking to improve empathy, resolve conflicts, and build inclusive workplaces through culturally aware communication.
Yes—the book offers practical tools for improving cross-cultural collaboration and leadership effectiveness. Its blend of real-world anecdotes, frameworks like BUILD, and focus on preserving dignity makes it a timeless resource for global professionals.
The BUILD model outlines five pillars for effective leadership:
- Benevolence: Show genuine care for others.
- Understanding: Learn cultural and individual nuances.
- Interacting: Communicate respectfully across differences.
- Learning: Continuously adapt and grow.
- Delivery: Follow through on commitments.
Losing face refers to damaging one’s dignity, reputation, or social standing—often through public embarrassment, broken trust, or disrespect. Hu-Chan emphasizes proactive strategies to avoid causing others to lose face, such as active listening and culturally sensitive feedback.
The book contrasts Eastern collectivist values (where face is tied to group harmony) with Western individualist perspectives. Hu-Chan provides examples of misinterpretations, like direct criticism in hierarchical cultures, and offers solutions to bridge these gaps.
Absolutely. The book teaches leaders to recognize subtle cues (e.g., silence, indirect requests) that signal discomfort in diverse teams. By prioritizing empathy and cultural awareness, managers can resolve tensions and strengthen collaboration.
Some readers note the concepts lean heavily on Eastern cultural frameworks, requiring adaptation for predominantly Western teams. However, most praise its actionable advice for globalized work environments.
Hu-Chan highlights virtual communication pitfalls, like tone misinterpretation in emails, and advises leaders to clarify intent, acknowledge contributions publicly, and avoid unilateral decisions to maintain trust across distances.
As workplaces grow more global and hybrid, understanding cultural nuance remains critical. The book’s focus on dignity, adaptability, and inclusive leadership aligns with modern DEI initiatives and remote management challenges.
- “Face is the currency of trust in relationships.”
- “To give face is to create loyalty; to cause loss of face is to breed resentment.”
These emphasize the lifelong impact of dignity in professional interactions.
Unlike general leadership guides, Saving Face uniquely integrates cultural anthropology with practical tools for global teams. It complements books like The Culture Map by focusing specifically on dignity-driven communication.
