Start by asking the right questions:

The questions below offer a window into what really matters — and where Cultural Savvy can help you uncover the invisible, decode the subtle, and move forward with confidence.

👥 Relationships & Guanxi

• How much effort should you invest in building guanxi before contract terms even get discussed?
• When is a personal connection essential vs. when is a formal agreement enough?
• What signals (e.g., introductions, shared meals, gift exchanges) indicate you’re trusted?

🗣 Communication & Indirectness

• How do you interpret silence during negotiations — reflection, politeness, or something unsaid?
• What does “yes” mean — acknowledgment vs. agreement — in your Chinese meetings?
• How can nonverbal cues (tone, posture, pauses) help you read between the lines?

⚖ Authority, Hierarchy & Decision-Making

• How do seniority and rank influence who speaks first — and whose voice is heard later?
• When decisions are made, how much input from lower levels is expected vs. expected deference?
• How do formal vs. informal power structures collaborate behind the scenes?

🗣 Language in Practice

• When someone says “不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)”, are they apologizing — or politely declining without direct refusal?
• What does it mean when you hear “我们再考虑一下 (wǒmen zài kǎolǜ yīxià)” — “We’ll think about it”? Is it genuine consideration or a soft “no”?
• If a colleague says “这个可能不太方便 (zhège kěnéng bù tài fāngbiàn)” — “This might not be very convenient” — how should you interpret that in a negotiation?
• Why can a quick “yes” sometimes mean “I hear you” rather than “I agree with you”?

🌏 Cultural Concepts that Shape Business

• Guanxi (关系): Relationships and networks of trust often outweigh contracts. Who you know — and how well — can determine success.
• Face (面子 miànzi): Preserving dignity and avoiding embarrassment are essential. A direct “no” can cause loss of face for both sides.
• Hierarchy: Age, title, and seniority strongly shape who speaks first, who decides, and how information flows in meetings.
• Indirect Communication: Silence, polite agreement, or vague wording may hide hesitation or disagreement. Reading between the lines is critical.