greatest wisdom book

Chapter 69 The art of controlling people: Be the number one king in the world 1
How to employ people is extremely important to a monarch, because no country is created and managed by a monarch himself.This is like a team. It is impossible for any leader to accomplish things independently. He must be familiar with the art of employing people, how to win over people's hearts, how to control villains and careerists, and how to enhance the cohesion of the team.Before learning to do these things, a leader must first know how to listen to public opinion, which is the root of all his policies.

Always accept the "public opinion bath"

A prince should always seek advice, when he wills, and not when he will not; .All this presupposes that the prince must be a constant consulter, and that he must be a patient listener of the truth in all matters for which he consults. . . . All good counsel, from whomever it comes, must spring from the wisdom of the prince, and not the wisdom of the prince from good counsel.

——"Chapter 23 How to avoid flatterers"

Always seek the opinions of others and be a patient listener. This applies not only to the monarch, but to everyone in life.In daily life, we often see some people put on a domineering posture in front of those who are inferior to them in status and power, bossing around, thinking that they are superior and arrogant, but in fact this is just a kind of superficial, vulgar, A guilty conscience.No matter how much a person has achieved, he always has shortcomings. Knowing how to respect others and listen to their good opinions can make people discover their own weaknesses in time and constantly enrich themselves.Those who are so proud that their eyes are higher than the top are the most likely to be mistaken for those who don't know the so-called generation.And approachable, put aside the "noble thought", get along with people peacefully, and always listen to the opinions of others. Not only does it not lose its status, but it can be respected by everyone.

Former Swedish Prime Minister Palme is a very respected leader.Although he was the prime minister of the government at that time, he still lived in a civilian apartment.His life is very simple and approachable, no different from ordinary people.Palme's motto is: "I am a member of the people."

Except for official visits or particularly important state affairs activities, Palme went to domestic and foreign countries to participate in meetings, visits, inspections and private activities. He seldom brought entourage and security personnel with him. Guarded by two police officers.

In March 1984, Palme went to Vienna to attend the Austrian Socialist Party Congress, but went alone.When he walked into the venue, no one noticed him until he sat down on the seat with the Swedish flag, and people didn't notice him.All the participants praised his actions.

Palme likes to go to shops, schools, factories, mines and other places by himself in private, to have equal and harmonious exchanges with shop assistants, students, and workers, and to listen to their opinions with an open mind.He never had the pretensions of a prime minister, spoke elegantly, and had a sincere attitude, and never engaged in majestic scenes of shouting and hugging.These have made him deeply loved by the Swedish people.

The Palme family often vacationed on the Faroe Islands and formed close ties with the residents, who considered him a friend.In his spare time, he often rides a bicycle alone, chops grass to fetch water, chops firewood to make a fire, and helps the landlord with some chores, so as to connect and contact the masses and make each other as close as family.

Palme walked from home to the Prime Minister's Palace every day. During this quarter of an hour or so, he greeted passers-by on the road from time to time, and sometimes even chatted with fellow travelers.

Palme was approachable, and he formed friendships with many ordinary people through letters.When he was in office, he received an average of more than 15 letters every year, one-third of which came from abroad. For this reason, he specially hired 4 staff members to read, process and reply in time, so that all incoming letters were read and all incoming letters were replied. .For the reply letter drafted by the assistant, he has to read it himself before signing it.All this made his image increasingly taller in the minds of the people.The gate of the Palme Prime Minister's Office is always open to the people and will always be a service office for the people.In the eyes of the Swedish people, Palme is the prime minister, but also a commoner; a leader, but also a brother, a friend, he is an idol in people's minds.

A person of noble status will not become humble if he has no airs. On the contrary, it can increase the respect of the people around him, and at the same time, it can make everyone love him sincerely, follow his example, and learn from him.Such a person has deeply rooted his life in the fertile soil of the public, how can he not live forever, which is admirable!
Just like Lincoln, the famous civilian president of the United States, he is famous for his easy-going and good at listening to opinions.Lincoln often received visits from the public. Usually, the door of his office in the White House was always open. Anyone who wanted to come in and talk was welcome. No matter how busy he was, he would not refuse.Lincoln once called this kind of behavior "public opinion bath". He said: "Because I have little time to read newspapers, I use this method to collect public opinion. Although public opinion is not always pleasant, but in general That said, it’s still innovative and inspiring.”

Lincoln's "public opinion bath" shortened the distance between him and his subordinates and the people, deepened the relationship between them, and stimulated the initiative and enthusiasm of the people to participate in state affairs, which benefited both the people and the country.

People in high positions are often looked up and watched by everyone, and their words and deeds will get more people's attention, discussion and judgment.If you can treat everyone with an easy-going attitude at this time, be diligent in accepting advice, be flashy without being conspicuous, expensive but not ostentatious, you will definitely win the support of everyone and the support of people's hearts.For ordinary people, often listening to other people's bitter words can also help them improve.Why should we fear that which is good for us?

(End of this chapter)