In the operation of power and resource allocation, the following alarming patterns are often observed:
- Anything that starts with painting a pie in the sky ends with unloading the millstone and killing the donkey;
- Anything that suddenly emphasizes rules will next lead to killing the chicken to scare the monkey;
- Anything that encourages you to look far ahead probably has no intention of giving you a return;
- Anything that tells you to handle it yourself is actually setting you up to take the blame;
- Anything that asks you to consider the bigger picture does not regard you as an insider;
- Anything that urges you to spare no effort will ultimately make you the cost;
- Anything that promises to share blessings will ultimately result in the rabbit dying and the dog being cooked;
- Anything that advises you to have a big-picture perspective has a pit for you to fill;
- Anything that requires you not to take matters into your own hands is afraid you will seize the benefits.
Professor Yi Zhongtian once said: “Among all the deceivers in the world, there is only one trick, which is to fabricate a glorious history and promise you a wonderful future, then ask you to sacrifice your present.”
This logic of sacrificing the present often manifests in power dynamics as the manipulation of people taking precedence over the improvement of matters.
In certain power structures and competitive environments, the most astute leaders, skilled in power tactics and adept at managing people, are sometimes seen as employing a clever means. It even becomes a shortcut for some to rise to power; thus, in certain contexts, controlling personnel is viewed as a key link in controlling the overall situation.
They often drive part of the people with fear, win over another part with benefits, and numb a portion with ethereal hopes, then establish a common "imaginary enemy" or "grand goal" to divert conflicts and consolidate consensus.
Such examples abound in history and real life: In the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang strengthened imperial power and eliminated dissent by fabricating the cases of Hu Weiyong and Lan Yu. Hu Weiyong, as the prime minister, was suspected of forming cliques and plotting rebellion, was executed, and tens of thousands were implicated; later, Lan Yu was also exterminated for treason, implicating tens of thousands.
This exemplifies the classic logic of using fear and establishing imaginary enemies to consolidate power, a logic that also plays out in contemporary workplaces: In reality, many companies create redundant positions in the name of "optimizing management," while core employees bear heavier burdens with no promotion opportunities; when employees' capabilities are drained or costs become too high, they are eliminated under the pretext of "structural adjustments." For instance, an older employee who has worked overtime for years to achieve results is replaced by a "younger team" after turning 35, with even their severance pay being cut.......
The core logic of these strategies is based on exploiting human weaknesses—fear, greed, and blind obedience, the utilization of interests, and the instrumental evaluation of individual value. When your utility value exceeds control costs, you may be won over by interests or hopes; when value declines or costs rise, fear or elimination may ensue.
When an individual's value is instrumentally evaluated and utilized, the leadership role itself is often distorted. Liu Zhenyun sharply pointed out: “It’s not that all leaders are rogues, but those who cannot be rogues cannot be leaders at all; costs and competition dictate that leaders must squeeze you. The essence of entrepreneurship is to snatch things from the market; those who are content to be law-abiding are only suited for being employees.”
Perhaps the end of the truth is not despair, but clarity: seeing through these tricks is the first step to breaking free from invisible shackles. Understanding the "pie in the sky" means no longer being hungry for illusions, knowing the outcome of "unloading the millstone and killing the donkey." Knowing when to hold back one’s brilliance, understanding that the sudden arrival of "rules" is a precursor to a storm, and seeking a safe haven in advance.
Do not rely on others' "promises" and "big pictures," focus on building your own irreplaceable value and clear boundaries, so that you can become a solid fortress, allowing the external clamor and power struggles to fade into the background.