The Art of “Giving” Face

The Chinese use the word Mianzi 留面子 to refer to Face – reputation or dignity. Although most of us are familiar with the concepts of “losing” or “saving” face, few of us know the expression giving face – an important business principle in China.

Giving face is about making other people look good and helping them gain credibility and status.

There’s nothing to lose in making other people look good. When you give face, you’re perceived as positive, a good team player and – through reciprocity – attract good karma and a willingness to give you face.

Contrary to misguided beliefs, if you have to lose face or look bad, it won’t be because you brought attention on other people’s good performances; it will be because you were initially underperforming, nothing else.