Newly Appointed Leaders' 36 Strategies

Author: Bao Yu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-28
Features: Treating everyone equally and being just in office is a fundamental quality for a leader. The book "New Book of Arts and Techniques" says, "Selflessness is called fairness; unfairness is selfishness." The great Song Dynasty litterateur Han Yu said, "Things cannot be left unbalanced, so they cry out." Thus, the concept of fairness has existed since ancient times. Fair people and fair deeds are countless in historical records. Dai Zhou, the Vice Minister of the Great Court of Justice in the Tang Dynasty, is a prime example of fairness. Once, Changsun Wuxin, the uncle of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin and the brother-in-law of Empress Changsun, entered the palace with a knife, but the guard at the gate did not notice him. According to Tang law, both Changsun Wuxin and the guard violated the law. However, the current prime minister, Feng De, said that Wuxin's action was due to negligence and should not be considered a crime, while the guard was negligent and should be executed. Emperor Taizong even agreed to this. At this point, Dai Zhou stepped forward and clearly stated that such a sentence was unfair. He said, "Wuxin brought a knife into the palace, and the guard did not notice it. They were both negligent. If we sentence them, we should treat them equally. How can we judge one more severely than the other?" Dai Zhou spoke with conviction and strong arguments, and Emperor Taizong had no choice but to agree to reconsider. During the second discussion, Feng De still insisted on the original judgment, but Dai Zhou argued reasonably and stood firm, pointing out that Wuxin and the guard had the same level of fault. The guard was punished because of Wuxin's action, so "under the law, it should be lighter." Now, the lighter crime is given a heavier sentence, while the heavier crime is given a lighter sentence, "life and death are completely different," which is very unreasonable. He insisted on a fair retrial according to the law. Emperor Taizong found Dai Zhou's arguments reasonable and finally accepted his opinion, acquitting both Wuxin and the guard.
The few characters involved—Changsun Wuxin is the "national uncle" and a founding hero with outstanding achievements; Feng De is the current prime minister, holding great power, and even has the emperor's favor. The guard is merely a low-ranking official stationed at the palace gate; Dai Zhou is no more than today's Chief Justice. Yet he handled the case impartially and insisted on a fair judgment, which was not easy. However, only because it was fair and reasonable did he gain Li Shimin's approval.
Besides Dai Zhou, historical figures like Bao Zheng and Hai Rui, known as "honest officials," also handled many fair cases, and their reputations have been passed down, further demonstrating the value of fairness.
It is clear that since ancient times, fairness has been a principle for leaders in dealing with their subordinates. Subordinates dislike leaders who show favoritism. Due to various reasons, if a leader cannot treat everyone's achievements or mistakes fairly, it actually creates a wedge, isolating the part of the subordinates you favor. This can lead to mutual suspicion among subordinates and constant conflicts. The cohesion of the group will be greatly reduced, which will undoubtedly create obstacles for your work.
Looking back at the past and present, how many things have happened? The heart of fairness cannot be lacking. This is not only necessary for handling matters but also for basic moral conduct. More importantly, it is a fundamental prerequisite for a leader to maintain good relationships with subordinates and to do a good job.
During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, King Zhao of Yan sought to revitalize his country after being defeated by the State of Qi, and he went to great lengths to attract talent. He consulted his minister Guo Wei on the matter, and Guo Wei told him the following principle: To gather more people than you have, you must be sincere in your hospitality and teach yourself with humility.