Using the 36 Virtues to Assess Yourself and Colleagues in the Workplace

 

Using the 36 Virtues to Assess Yourself and Colleagues in the Workplace

In the modern workplace, self-awareness and reliable relationships are key to success. The ancient "36 Virtues of Good Speech and Conduct" offer a timeless checklist to evaluate one's own character and observe friends, co-workers, or even leaders. These traits—ranging from reliability and generosity to composure and empathy—reveal true integrity beyond resumes or charm. By reflecting on them daily, professionals can build better habits, spot supportive allies, and avoid toxic influences, fostering trust and productivity in teams.

Checklist for Self-Reflection and Workplace Observation

Use this to rate yourself (e.g., 1-5 scale) or note examples in others. Focus on consistent behaviors.

1. Traits arise from the mind and change with it.

2. Admires and emulates noble people.

3. Balances firmness and flexibility in actions.

4. Shares food generously.

5. Avoids petty or harmful individuals.

6. Creates convenience for others; practices hidden good deeds.

7. Maintains an orderly daily life from youth.

8. Patiently helps those who seek assistance.

9. Practices self-restraint to benefit others.

10. Completes tasks from start to finish.

11. Stays calm in crises.

12. Keeps promises and appointments.

13. Upholds principles even at personal loss.

14. Avoids random thoughts at bedtime.

15. Decides thoughtfully, then acts decisively.

16. Refrains from hateful actions.

17. Admits faults without excuses.

18. Plans actions thoroughly.

19. Never forgets kindness received.

20. Has a broad mind that tolerates others.

21. Values others' good intentions.

22. Helps the lonely and needy.

23. Never aids the strong against the weak.

24. Cherishes old friendships.

25. Enthusiastically supports public good.

26. Avoids excessive or false talk.

27. Thanks people for gifts.

28. Speaks in a structured, logical way.

29. Doesn't interrupt during conversations.

30. Highlights others' good deeds.

31. Accepts poor clothes/food gracefully.

32. Adapts wisely to situations (square, round, curved, straight).

33. Persists in good deeds without tiring.

34. Considers others' hunger, thirst, or fatigue.

35. Forgives those who repent without holding grudges.

36. Exhausts efforts to help old friends in trouble.

Traditionally: Mastering all 36 leads to high office and long life; 20 ensures leadership roles; 10 guarantees wealth.

30 Horse‑Related Sayings and Expressions

 30 Horse‑Related Sayings and Expressions

Horses appear in many traditional sayings and idioms across cultures. Horses are often linked to speed, strength, ambition, and sometimes recklessness. Below is a list of at least 30 horse‑related expressions that can be used to teach, warn, or inspire—especially in a workplace or life‑lessons context.

1. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
   Never question the value of something freely given; be grateful instead of suspicious.

2. “Hold your horses.”
   Slow down, be patient, and don’t rush into a decision or action.

3. “Straight from the horse’s mouth.”
   Information that comes directly from the original or most reliable source.

4. “Beat a dead horse.”
   To keep arguing about something that is already decided or finished; a waste of effort.

5. “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
   You can offer help or opportunity, but you cannot force someone to take it.

6. “Don’t put the cart before the horse.”
   Do things in the right order; don’t rush ahead without proper preparation.

7. “Change horses in midstream.”
   To switch leaders, plans, or strategies in the middle of a project or crisis.

8. “Horse around.”
   To behave playfully or foolishly instead of being serious.

9. “Get off your high horse.”
   Stop acting superior or arrogant and be more humble.

10. “Horse of a different color.”
    A completely different matter or situation.

11. “Dark horse.”
    Someone who is unexpectedly successful or powerful, often in competition.

12. “Work like a horse.”
    To labor very hard and tirelessly.

13. “Hungry like a horse.”
    Extremely hungry, often eating a lot.

14. “Ride roughshod over someone.”
    To treat someone harshly or unfairly, ignoring their rights or feelings.

15. “Wild horse.”
    A person who is untamed, rebellious, or hard to control.

16. “Horse sense.”
    Practical, common sense; good judgment.

17. “One‑horse town.”
    A very small, unimportant place with little activity or opportunity.

18. “Long in the tooth.”
    Originally about old horses; now means someone is getting old.

19. “Horse trade.”
    A tough negotiation or deal, often involving compromise.

20. “Horse of another color.”
    A different issue or topic altogether.

21. “Don’t bet the farm on a horse.”
    Don’t risk everything on one uncertain outcome or person.

22. “Horseplay.”
    Rough, noisy play that can easily get out of hand.

23. “Horse‑whisperer.”
    Someone who can calmly influence or manage difficult people or situations.

24. “Horsepower.”
    Used metaphorically for raw power, energy, or capability.

25. “Horse‑and‑buggy thinking.”
    Old‑fashioned, outdated ideas or methods.

26. “Horse of the same color.”
    Something very similar to what came before, not truly new.

27. “Horse of a different stripe.”
    A person or thing that is different in nature or character.

28. “Horse of a different breed.”
    Someone or something fundamentally different from the rest.

29. “Horse of a different feather.”
    A playful twist meaning someone who stands out from the crowd.

30. “Horse of a different world.”
    Used to describe someone or something that feels completely foreign or unfamiliar.

These sayings can be used in mentoring sessions with young employees to teach patience, humility, teamwork, and practical judgment. Just as pig proverbs warn about greed and waste, horse idioms remind us that power and speed must be guided by wisdom and discipline.

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