As I was writing the book “Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust”, I asked myself the question of what is the biggest worry for the thousands of leaders I’ve coached over the years? Don’t think too long, I have the answer. Interestingly, their concerns are rarely about not earning enough money. Most of their concerns have to do with Face.
Of course, they don’t necessarily use the word ‘face’, but they often say, ‘I don’t think my boss affirms my ability to work.” “My colleagues don’t respect my ideas.” “My team members are not proactive enough.” etc. At the end of the day, these worries are all about Face.
The concept of face originated in China, but the concept is universal. It enables authentic connections between people, builds a sense of trust and long-term relationships. In today’s complex and ever-changing workplace, managers and professional workers must adapt to diverse customers, employees, and business partners. Building authentic and lasting human relations may be the most important calling for leaders in this century.
Why is Face so important? Face represents a person’s self-esteem, honor, status, dignity. “Face” is the new social currency in today’s world. The greater the face, the easier it is to get things done. It permeates all levels of social and business interactions.
This is the first business book on the topic of Face. While the primary audiences for this book are business leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and professionals whose work requires them to interact and engage with people of diverse backgrounds, I also seek in this book to benefit any individual who wants to improve how they relate to others—how teachers relate to their students, how parents communicate with their children, and in many other social contexts.
I look forward to sharing this book with you all.