“The mindset adjustments that gradually changed my perspective began by not taking anything personally or judging strange behavior negatively.”
Goodwill is the currency upon which the Chinese Guanxi engine runs, and Face is the lubricant that keeps things running smoothly. Giving Face is easier with an attitude adjustment, or it may be perceived as disingenuous. Face is an important facet of Chinese business culture and invaluable as a means to reciprocate goodwill.
The ramifications of losing Face or causing a loss of Face are obvious, but the most important skill for playing the China game inside the Chinese arena may be allowing others to preserve their Face.
Learning how to give others a 台阶下 Táijiēxià to preserve their Face will pay numerous dividends over time.
Practical Definition: 台阶下 Táijiēxià are the delivered words and gestures that allow someone to preserve their Face after a mistake.
THE CHINESE HONEYMOON PERIOD highlights 10 Chinese cultural concepts that are widely misunderstood but essential for understanding HOW Chinese people think, WHY they behave the way they do, and HOW to create more positive communication patterns that lead to more constructive cooperation.
LinkedIn Post on Feb 21, 2022
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/genejhsu_do-you-know-how-to-allow-others-to-preserve-activity-6901753338581409792-uqeA
Between Two Worlds (original song inspired by Eileen Gu)
https://youtu.be/Ckeq8X4imQI
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