Career Management
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Du Yan was prime minister under Emperor Renzong in the Song dynasty. One day a former student of his visited him before leaving the capital to take the position of a county magistrate.
"Your talent is well above the requirements for a county magistrate," Du Yan told the young man, "but to make a success of your career, you must keep a low profile, stay in the middle and refrain from showing your smarts. Otherwise you'll get into trouble."
"What do you mean, Master?" the student asked. "You are respected by everyone for being outspoken and faithful. Why did you tell me to lie low?"
"I've been in the bureaucracy long enough," Du Yan explained. "I've held many offices. The emperor knows me; my colleagues trust me. Therefore I was able to do a lot of things and fulfill my ambition. You are a mere county magistrate. Your promotion depends on those above you. If I don't give you the benefit of my experience, you can cause trouble for yourself. If that happens, you may never realize your aspirations. That's why I advise you not to be too sharp, too rash, but to stay steady in the middle."
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Wise Proverbs
- Pardon all men, but never thyself.
- 严以律已，宽以待人。
- Tall trees catch much wind.
- 树大招风。
- Wise men change their minds; fools never do.
- 智者通权达变，愚者刚愎自用。
Editor Says:
Like it or not, your advancement often hinges on how you handle office politics-it is a subtle art that is vital to your career success.