Mastering the Modern Office: Ancient Wisdom for Today's Managers
In the fast-paced environment of the modern office, managers often struggle to truly understand the people they lead. While we have advanced analytics and personality tests, an ancient technique found in the Guan Ren Jing (The Classic of Observing People) offers a timeless approach to assessing character and potential
The Power of Contextual Observation
The core of this ancient method involves placing individuals in situations that test their core values
Testing Integrity through Distant Tasks: By assigning a task with little oversight, you can observe if a person maintains their standards when no one is watching, revealing their true level of loyalty
4 .Assessing Capability through Difficulty: Assigning a challenging, complex project allows a manager to see an employee's competence and problem-solving skills under pressure
5 .Measuring Temperament via Sudden Change: Observing how someone reacts to a sudden shift in deadlines or strategy reveals their wisdom and emotional stability
6 .Evaluating Reliability through Deadlines: Giving a person a strict time constraint tests whether they can remain trustworthy and focused on results
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Why Ancient Wisdom Matters Now
The Guan Ren Jing suggests that "to know a person, one must observe their actions"
Manager's Observation Checklist: Assessing Character & Competence
1. The "Distance" Test (Loyalty & Integrity)
Action: Assign an important task that requires the employee to work independently or remotely for a period without direct supervision
. Look for: Does the quality of work remain consistent? Are deadlines met without reminders? Does the individual maintain transparency about their progress?
2. The "Pressure" Test (Wisdom & Temperament)
Action: Introduce a sudden change in project scope or a significant, unexpected problem that requires an immediate response
. Look for: Does the person remain calm and analytical? Do they seek solutions or focus on blame? How quickly can they pivot their strategy?
3. The "Complexity" Test (Competence & Skill)
Action: Give the individual a task that is slightly outside their comfort zone or involves a high degree of technical difficulty
. Look for: Do they demonstrate a logical approach to the problem? Are they able to complete the task effectively despite the difficulty?
4. The "Deadline" Test (Trustworthiness & Reliability)
Action: Set a strict, non-negotiable deadline for a specific deliverable
. Look for: Do they deliver exactly what was promised on time? If issues arise, do they communicate them early, or do they wait until the deadline has passed?
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