Rather than be confrontational and start an argument which could turn heated, there are times when you have to hold your tongue, lie through your teeth and/or agree even if you disagree to allow the other person to “save face” and avoid discomfort or any other embarassing outbursts.
In other cultures, they look at saving face as good ethics and manners. It means that you are sensitive to a person’s dignity when you allow him/her to “save face”.
I have my issues about this (to be discussed later) but I do try my best when faced with business partners who are from the Arabian, Thai, Chinese and Japanese culture.
What about you? Rather than insist on what you know is right, would you still let them save face?
Yeah - I agree Melissa. Sometimes it is tough to do, but it's also the right thing to do a lot of times - because it's more important in many cases to get along than to feel like one is proven right. That's not always the case, but there are situations where that's what's needed.
Posted by: Easton Ellsworth | July 28, 2007 1:47 PM | Permalink to Comment