10LeadershipLessons

Han Fei Tzu

Han Fei (also Han Fei Tzu) (ca. 280–233 BC) was a Chinese philosopher who, along with Li Si, developed Xun Zi’s mutualism into the doctrine embodied by the School of Law or Legalism. Unlike the other philosophers of the time, Han Fei was a member of the ruling aristocracy, having been born into the ruling family of the state of Han during, the end phase of the Warring States Period. Here are his 10 leadership lessons that we must know.

Lesson 1 : Seeing the actions is better than hearing the voicesWhen you hear any statements made, do not alter or shift them. Just compare them with the actions, and observe whether the statements and actions correspond with each other.

“Well done is better than well said.”  ~Benjamin Franklin

Lesson 2 : Know the truths in people’s minds through their wordsWhen it comes to persuasions and discussions, you must observe and find out people who are considered skillful at something, and verify the lack of skill in those who are considered bad. The key to persuasion is in knowing how to feature the perspectives that the person you are talking to wants to promote, while you downplay the aspects that he wants to hide. …

“I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.”  ~John Locke

Lesson 3 : Have reward and punishment systemIt is human nature to choose safety and gain over danger and trouble. Knowing this well, the intelligent ruler simply establishes the system of advantages and disadvantages, and thereby shows the world what is right and what is wrong. He offers rewards that may be earned, and establishes punishments that should be avoided.

“A prince should be slow to punish, and quick to reward.”  - Ovid

Lesson 4 : Laws should not be anything but uniform and steadfastThis will make people understand them. And so, if the ruler makes no changes in bestowing rewards, and grants no pardon in carrying out punishments, but adds honor to rewards and disgrace to punishments, then both the worthy and the unworthy will exert their efforts.

“Nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced.”  - Albert Einstein

Lesson 5 : Even bad actions is better than no actionThe ruler who sees a great advantage but does not advance towards it, hears the outset of a calamity but does not provide against it, thus neglecting preparations for attack and defense, and striving to embellish himself with the practice of benevolence and righteousness, is liable to ruin.

“Small deeds done are betterthan great deeds planned. ” ~Peter Marshall

Lesson 6 : We are brave when we can see the profits in what we doEels are similar to snakes. Silkworms are similar to caterpillars. People are scared when they see snakes, and surprised when they see caterpillars. And yet, fishermen are willing to hold eels in their hands, and women are willing to pick up silkworms. So, when there is profit, people turn as brave as they can.

“Be convinced that to be happy means tobe free and that to be free means to bebrave. Therefore do not take lightly theperils of war.”  - Thucydides

Lesson 7 : Listening to all sides of every storyIf the ruler does not compare what he sees and hears, he will never get the real. If the ruler listens straight to own project alone, he cannot distinguish between the stupid and the intelligent. If he holds every projector responsible, ministers cannot confound their abilities.

“Listen to many, speak to a few.”  -William Shakespeare

Lesson 8 : Manipulating different informationIf the ruler makes inquiries by manipulating different information, then even unknown details will become apparent. A wise ruler will never strictly adhere to teachings that come from fools and fakers and are so varied and contradictory.

“Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.”

- Samuel Johnson

Lesson 9 : Determine to do the right thing rightIf the ruler depends on people doing him good, then even if he search throughout the state boundaries, he will not even find tens of such people. But if he makes sure there is no way they can do him wrong, then an entire state can be uniformed.

“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. ” - Mark Twain

Lesson 10 : Rebuke and acclaimThe wise ruler uses just two handles to command his ministers: rebuke and acclaim..…Ministers fear reprimands and punishment, but are fond of encouragements and rewards. So, if a master of people uses the handles of rebuke and acclaim, then every minister will cringe from his severity, and be drawn to his liberality.

“When the personal use is getting in the way of the employees' productivity on the job, that's where you're going to see the reprimand.”

-Kris Rzepkowski

Thank You Very MuchSompong Yusoontorn

“Placing too much value on minor advantages will impede major advantages.”