RELEARNING HOW TO DRIVE

Abstract

AbstractThe author notes that one trait that successful leaders have in common is the ability to save and honor face for others. “Saving Face” is a universal concept, beyond its origins in China, and it is a key factor in leadership for building positive relationships, motivating and rewarding others. Leaders can navigate through a new or unfamiliar situation and still manage to save and protect face; an ability the author calls, “Relearning how to drive.” For instance, working in a new environment is a lot like driving in a foreign country for the first time. Go on autopilot too quickly can lead to a loss of face, whether it's a new team or a new country you're working in. A detailed corporate example is provided about a videoconference with managers from a factory in Dongguan, China, illustrating a concept the author refers to as The Cultural Iceberg. The BUILD model is also outlined, with five keys that are crucial building blocks to forming strong, productive business relationships: Benevolence and Accountability, Understanding, Interacting, Learning, and Delivery. Leaders can view complex issues in a multicultural business environment from four different perspectives: first person, second person, meta position, and helicopter.