In this uncertain society, everyone is a chess player and a pawn, and different roles will lead to different fates. But only a true strategist can gain insight and control the overall situation in the intricate chess game. They are like masters in the game of Go, and when they fall, they can affect the movement of the entire chessboard. The author has been thinking about this issue for many years, repeatedly studying history and the art of war, and combining his own experience in the workplace and entrepreneurship, and finally believes that the following four points are very important:
1. Focus only on the key people: Identify the heart and source of influence
In any organization or social structure, it is often only a few key people who can really influence the situation, and they are like "fixed stars". Strategists are as sharp as falcons, quickly identifying these real "clapper" figures, shielding those who are not critical, and concentrating key resources to carry out strategic activities around the real key people. They not only pay attention to the words and actions of these characters, but also gain insight into the motives and intentions behind them. Through long hours of operation and a large investment of resources, effective communication and strong relationships are required. In this way, strategists can leverage the power of these key people to move the situation in the direction they want when it matters most. The most typical case is Lü Buwei's project operation of "strange goods can live". Lü Buwei only firmly bound the prince of Qin to win the alien, did not hesitate to give away his beloved concubine, and did not hesitate to invest all his wealth in bankruptcy, which led to the later major achievements of "one person under ten thousand people" and "famous in history"!
2. Focus on the key issues: The art of decision-making to the point
Problems are everywhere, but not all of them are worth paying attention to. Whereas ordinary people are often overwhelmed by a myriad of problems and find it difficult to take a substantive step, strategists are able to cut through the inconsequential distractions with the precision of a surgeon and get to the heart of the matter. They will not be fooled by appearances, nor will they waste precious resources and time on the details. During the decision-making process, they are always able to quickly identify those key issues that have a decisive impact on the overall situation and focus on solving them, thus ensuring that every step of the way is on the right track. The most typical case is Zhuge Liang's "Longzhong Pair", he pointed out sharply that the reason why Liu Bei's three brothers have been fighting for more than 20 years "achieved nothing" is that there is only one key problem, that is, there is no "consolidated base area", and only by avoiding senseless struggles and occupying the "middle ground" between Cao Cao and Sun Quan (such as Sichuan) can it be possible to form a "three-legged" pattern, and will not be "short-lived" like other heroes.
3. Focus only on key events: A keen sense of insight into the situation
In an ever-changing environment, incidents emerge one after another, and ordinary people are often "overwhelmed and exhausted" to deal with them. Strategists, like seasoned captains, are able to steer the rudder in the wind and waves, and have a keen eye for key events that could be game-changing. They are highly sensitive to information and are able to assess the impact of an incident in the first place and develop strategies accordingly. This ability allows them to always seize opportunities or avoid risks at critical moments to stay ahead of the curve. The most typical case is the incident of Li Tang's seizure of Chang'an. After Emperor Yang of Sui went out to patrol the river and was blocked by the rebel army, there was a rare "strategic vacuum" in Chang'an, Li Shimin saw this opportunity and put forward the strategic policy of "entering Chang'an first, according to the danger", even if his father was shaken, he resolutely implemented it, and finally had the foundation of the Tang Dynasty to dominate the world.
4. Hold on to only the key pieces: Strategize with precise layout
On the strategist's chessboard, everyone can be a pawn. But not all pieces are equally important, and many can be "discarded". Strategists know how to identify and nurture key pieces that can make a huge difference in critical moments, and hold them firmly in their hands. They motivate, guide, and work together to ensure that these key pieces are most effective when needed. This precise layout and use allows strategists to navigate complex interpersonal relationships and power structures. The most typical case is that Cao Cao's "coercing the Son of Heaven to order the princes", it was precisely because Cao Cao discovered the "key chess piece" of Emperor Han Xian early in the morning when others did not see it clearly, and since then the forces have been painted with the color of "orthodoxy" and occupied the commanding heights of morality.
Strategists' awareness of the overall situation is the result of their continuous learning and training in long-term practice. By focusing on key people, issues, events, and pawns, they develop a keen sense of insight and control over the situation. In the workplace and in life, we can also learn from the methods of strategists, cultivate our own awareness of the overall situation, and start our own careers.
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