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Explore articles, columns, blog posts, and videos on global leadership and cross-cultural management. Watch Maya in action delivering keynote speeches.

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What Does Saving Face Mean?

What Does Saving Face Mean?

How do you feel when you're checking out of a store and someone behind the counter says, "Have a nice day?" Do you get a little shimmy in your step? Does your day get a little brighter? Not really? Ever wonder why that is? The term have a nice day is often uttered by...

3 Tips to Overcome Micro-Inequities at Work

3 Tips to Overcome Micro-Inequities at Work

One of my clients is experiencing a professional obstacle that is all too common. Susan is a passionate, driven, high-performing leader. She often has a seat at the table with other company leaders. However, she feels that although she has a seat, she does not have a...

3 Strategies to Be an Inclusive Leader

3 Strategies to Be an Inclusive Leader

An inclusive leader gives space for themselves and others to reflect and to listen. They're conscientious about how they show up as a leader. When a leader is inclusive, engaging, and courageous, everyone else shows up that way too. There are three specific things...

3 Steps to Think Globally

3 Steps to Think Globally

When you hear the phrase, thinking globally, you might imagine focusing on international business or finding markets around the world. However, in the context of leading with an innovative mindset, the word global means much more. Consider Chinese e-commerce and tech...

Saving Face and Building Relationships

Saving Face and Building Relationships

When you hear the words 'saving face,' what do you think of? You might imagine someone trying to recover after saying something embarrassing. Maybe they made a mistake in the workplace and need to repair their reputation. Face is a universal concept, beyond its...

5 Ways to Give Face to Build Relationships

5 Ways to Give Face to Build Relationships

There are three key concepts of face. Giving Face, losing face, and saving face. In this video, I talk about giving face. Giving face is a cultural concept originated in China. It can and should be an integral part of building relationships and motivating your team...

3 Ways to Rebuild Face and Respect

3 Ways to Rebuild Face and Respect

There's an old Chinese proverb, "Spilled water is hard to regain." Think about it. You accidentally knock a glass of water off the table and it spills all over the floor. If you wanted to get all that water back into the glass, how would you do it? Nearly impossible,...

3 Ways to Lead With an Innovative Mindset

3 Ways to Lead With an Innovative Mindset

Successful companies know that in order to grow they must consistently innovate. And to truly innovate, leaders must lead with an innovative mindset. An innovative mindset allows leaders and workers alike to take small steps to create big impact. One of the most...

What Saving Face Is and Is Not

What Saving Face Is and Is Not

Saving face is the act of helping someone recover after a mistake in a way that preserves their dignity in the presence of their colleagues, community or family. When it is done authentically, with genuine intention and empathy, the act of saving face for someone can...

Deconstructing Myths About the AANHPI Community-Replay

Deconstructing Myths About the AANHPI Community-Replay

Since 1992, I have been recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in the United States. So how can we honor the lived experiences of this diverse community and show up as authentic allies coming out of a pandemic that...

How Giving Face Can Build Strong Relationships

How Giving Face Can Build Strong Relationships

When you think of the term saving face, it usually relates to someone taking some kind of an action to keep someone else from feeling humiliated or embarrassed. The concept of face is not just a method to use when problems arise. There is a very proactive, positive...

How Face Relates to Authenticity and Accountability

How Face Relates to Authenticity and Accountability

As an executive coach, I have worked with leaders around the world. I have shared with them a concept that resonates with leaders at all levels. It's so essential to their leadership, but it's also counterintuitive. It's the concept of face. Today, I would like to...

3 Ways to Break Down Insider/Outsider Dynamics

3 Ways to Break Down Insider/Outsider Dynamics

Diversity and inclusion aren't just trendy business buzzwords. Research suggests that companies that embrace diversity perform better than companies that don't make it a priority. And hiring a diverse workforce is only half of the equation. In order for companies to...

Silence: Listening With Ten Eyes

Silence: Listening With Ten Eyes

Do you want to learn all about the role that silence plays in cross-cultural negotiations and how important it is to reach positive outcomes? In this video, I discuss how silence can take you to greater heights of success.

The Art of Tough Conversations with Dignity

The Art of Tough Conversations with Dignity

You’ve heard of Facebook. But have you heard of Face Bank? The term might be unfamiliar to many, but the most effective HR professionals count on it to overcome cultural barriers, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and preserve dignity for all parties involved for a...

American Managers – Asian Employees

American Managers – Asian Employees

Most American managers empower their employees by allowing them to take part in the decision-making process. For an Asian employee who has never done this, this might be a little overwhelming. Watch this video to find out how you, as a manager, can overcome this...

The Importance of Face in China

The Importance of Face in China

Know what it takes to be a good leader to employees from China? First, understand the importance of face in Chinese culture and how it impacts the way the Chinese interact in professional settings. For tips on saving face, giving face, and avoiding losing face, watch...

Working With Multigenerational Chinese Team

Working With Multigenerational Chinese Team

In this video, I discuss what Chinese employees expect from their managers and mentors. Utilize these tips if you want to succeed in enhancing productivity and earning the respect of these employees.

Three Ways to Shed the ‘Ugly American’ Image

Three Ways to Shed the ‘Ugly American’ Image

Are you familiar with the term ‘Ugly American’? It is often believed that Americans are arrogant, consider themselves superior to others, and tend to interrupt others, believing that they already know the answers. Watch this video as I discuss 3 workable tips that...

Writing Effective Global Emails

Writing Effective Global Emails

Do you know how to address someone in an email who values hierarchy as part of their culture and who has a higher position than yourself? Watch this video to learn more about how you can write clear and effective emails when working globally.

The Glass Ceiling Still Exists

The Glass Ceiling Still Exists

Are you looking for ways to break the glass ceiling that prevents women from landing top jobs? In this video, learn how to break the glass ceiling and establish your name in the corporate world as a female entrepreneur.

5 Tips to Build Executive Presence to Get Ahead

5 Tips to Build Executive Presence to Get Ahead

Do you want to be promoted? It’s time to stop blaming your management and start working on building your Executive Presence! Find out how you can accomplish that and climb up the executive ladder by watching this video using these 5 tips. 1. Be a strong performer 2....

Mike Howard Ronin Leadership Podcast with Maya HuChan

Mike Howard Ronin Leadership Podcast with Maya HuChan

I was honored to be a guest on the Mike Howard Ronin Leadership Podcast where we discussed the concept of "saving face" which can help any leader preserve the dignity of those they work with, with those who work for them, and for those, they work for! According to...

Understanding Asian Communication Styles

Understanding Asian Communication Styles

“Hear ONE, understand TEN.” – What do you understand from this famous Japanese saying? (Hint: It’s about understanding hidden messages)! If you’d like to learn more, feel free to get in touch! Also, watch this video to get some useful tips on how to differentiate...

Introduction of Saving Face (In Mandarin Chinese)

Introduction of Saving Face (In Mandarin Chinese)

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...

Saving Face: The Art Of Tough Conversations With Dignity

Saving Face: The Art Of Tough Conversations With Dignity

You’ve heard of Facebook. But have you heard of Face Bank? The term might be unfamiliar to many, but the most effective HR professionals count on it to overcome cultural barriers, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and preserve dignity for all parties involved for a...

Managing in a Multicultural World

Managing in a Multicultural World

In this LinkedIn LIVE interview replay with Nancy Parsons, CEO/President at CDR Companies, LLC, we discuss my latest book Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust and how we can integrate the principles of "face" with cross-cultural management, leadership...

How to Preserve Human Dignity-An Interview

How to Preserve Human Dignity-An Interview

I was recently interviewed by Brian Brogen CGC/PMP a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher and Speaker In this episode, we learned the importance of saving face which is the title of my latest book, Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust. In the...

Podcast Interview with Wanda Wallace from Out of Your Comfort Zone

Podcast Interview with Wanda Wallace from Out of Your Comfort Zone

Saving Face with Maya Hu-Chan August 6, 2021 Hosted by Wanda Wallace Episode Description Wherever you work, you probably interact and collaborate with people from a range of cultures. What do you need to do to ensure that you are being culturally aware and helping...

Changemaker Spotlight Interview hosted by Gregg Ward

Changemaker Spotlight Interview hosted by Gregg Ward

Gregg Ward, Executive Director of the Center for Respectful Leadership, interviews CRL Advisory Council member and best-selling author, speaker, and coach Maya Hu-Chan about her new book "Saving Face: how to preserve dignity and build trust." Changemaker Spotlight...

Saving Face:  Building Good Relationships at Work and In Life

Saving Face: Building Good Relationships at Work and In Life

In this webinar replay hosted by A Small World, we talked about Saving Face and building good relationships. This is an interactive webinar, with the first 45 minutes of presentation and the last 15 minutes dedicated to questions from the audience.

Coaching in the Workplace Conference Interview Replay

Coaching in the Workplace Conference Interview Replay

In this video replay, I speak to the concept of Saving Face. I also explain FACE and what it is. As a leader, you need to tune into people's emotions so they feel respected and appreciated. At the end of the day, everyone benefits. And it has to start with the...

Challenges of the C-Suite with Maya Hu-Chan

Challenges of the C-Suite with Maya Hu-Chan

CB Bowman interviews Maya Hu-Chan about the challenges executives face in leading an organization. About Maya: Her book “Global Leadership: The Next Generation” was a Harvard Business School Working Knowledge book. Her new book “Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity...

Honor in Asian Culture

Honor in Asian Culture

In this keynote, Maya Hu-Chan speaks of Asian culture in modern times and the importance of what Saving Face means. Keynote for PF Chang’s Operators Conference in Nashville, TN (2019)

How to Get the Promotion You Deserve!

How to Get the Promotion You Deserve!

Are you one of those people who are smart, work hard but can’t seem to get ahead? What could be holding you back from that promotion and how can you work past that? Watch this video @NAAAP as I share the story of my client, Jenny, who was in a similar situation but...

Core Competencies for Global Leaders – Think Globally

Core Competencies for Global Leaders – Think Globally

How do you develop a global mindset, gain the ability to look at issues from multiple perspectives, and come up with innovative solutions for complex problems? Watch this video @NAAAP where I share the first of the 5 core competencies for global leaders to lead...

Offensive Gestures

Offensive Gestures

Global gestures mean different things in different countries. When traveling abroad, be aware of your body language and how it can be construed. For instance, the "middle finger" gesture in the US means something totally different in China. Be mindful of your...

American Slang & Idioms

American Slang & Idioms

Executive Coach Maya Hu-Chan explains how American slang and idioms can in the way of effective communication.

5 Secrets to Building a High-Performing Virtual Team

5 Secrets to Building a High-Performing Virtual Team

With more and more companies working seamlessly across cultures and times zones. So what is the secret to building a successful virtual team? Face-to-face interactions are critical to virtual team success. In this video, I explain my 5 top tips to building a...

5 Tips for Collaborative Leadership

5 Tips for Collaborative Leadership

Having a strategic plan can add to your team's success by inviting other teams to collaborate. Share your goals priorities and challenges openly. You can develop a common scorecard that will enable you to share the success of achieving your goals. This collaboration...

Core Strengths of Asian Leadership

Core Strengths of Asian Leadership

Asia is the fasted growing economy for many years now. At the heart of this success are Asian leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers. In this video are 8 common leadership strengths. Core Strengths of Asian Leadership. 1. Trust and Integrity 2.Technical Mastery 3....

Are You a Global Thinker?

Are You a Global Thinker?

Working globally means thinking globally. It means opening up your eyes, ears, and especially your mind. You need to be quick on your feet and make effective and appropriate choices. Here are 5 common qualities of effective global thinking. 1. Understand your...

Global Ambition

Global Ambition

Maya Hu-Chan delivered a Keynote speech at the Talent Management Conference 2015 in Singapore: "Global Ambition: Harnessing the Talent and Potential of Asian Leaders"

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