“Well, pal, I was dragged all over those hills and I did not hear any singing”… “So I’ll be building my summer home on a more magical hill, thank you.”
– Emperor Kuzko (The Emperor’s New Groove, 2000)
I love this whole scene for reminding me about the concept of “saving face”. Kuzko has declared a plan of action to destroy an entire hilltop village to make way for his personal summer home. Though he eventually has a change of heart, he cannot revoke the declaration, so instead invents this “magical” excuse. Patcha’s village is saved, and the Emperor saves face. Kuzko and Patcha share and keep the actual truth about the change between them.
“Saving face” is an invaluable concept during industry negotiations. It builds good will and trust. You move beyond the what’s-in-it-for-me and beyond the project itself to effectively consider the people. Everyone wins on some level.
I can’t help but grin every time Patcha smiles when he hears Kuzko’s words.
Cheers,
Deb
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