Part 3, Session 1 · The Dao Moves by Reversal in the Workplace

Applying the Dao's movement by reversal in the workplace centers on not competing as the greatest form of competition and daring to be the last in the world

Key insights

Applying the Dao's movement by reversal in the workplaceReversal is the movement of the Daocenters onNot competing is the greatest competition、daring to be the last in the world. It is not about refusing to compete, but about not competing for recognition and focusing on substance; it is not about doing nothing, but about simply doing good deeds without worrying about the future. Confucianism dares to be first in the world, while Daoism dares to be last in the world—taking action later to gain the upper hand, since the bird that sticks its head out is the one that gets shot.

2.1 The Wisdom of Not Competing

Core logic

不争名 → 要里子 → 有实力 → 自然上位

"From beginning to end, Laozi's idea of the Dao moving by reversal is all about daring to be last in the world. Laozi emphasizes taking action later to gain the upper hand."

The difference between competing and not competing

The Han Chufeng Case

• Background:
  • The former chairman dies
  • The two vice presidents ahead of him fought for power
  • Han Chufeng has little seniority but strong abilities
  • Seeks advice from Ding Yuanying
• Ding Yuanying advises:
• "Don't compete for it yet. Wait for the two vice presidents to fight each other, and you can benefit as the fisherman."
• Han Chufeng asks: "Can you guarantee that they will definitely fight each other?"
• Ding Yuanying replies: "Definitely. Cultural attributes determine it."
• Results:
  • The two vice presidents fight each other to mutual ruin
  • Han Chufeng works steadily without competing or scrambling
  • The shareholders nominate Han Chufeng to take over
  • Not competing is the greatest competition

2.2 Dare to be last in the world

Confucianism vs. Daoism

• Confucian thinking:
  • Dare to be first in the world
  • Stick your neck out
  • Plead on behalf of the people
  • Be the first to become an official
  • There is no first in literature, and no second in martial arts
• Daoist thinking:
  • daring to be the last in the world
  • Do not contend
  • Strike after the opponent has acted
  • Be the perennial number two
  • The bird that sticks its head out gets shot

Application in the workplace

• Promotion and salary increase scenarios:
• ❌ Wrong approach:
• Proactively compete → compete with colleagues → make enemies → get ostracized
• ✅ Right approach:
• Work diligently → demonstrate your abilities → earn your leader’s recognition → get promoted naturally
• Core points:
  • Plan thoroughly before taking action
  • Do not compete when you are not confident
  • Wait until others reveal their weaknesses before making your move
  • The bird that sticks its head out gets shot; do not be the first

2.3 Choose substance over appearances

Substance vs. appearances

• Putting on a show:
  • Let others fight for it
  • Looks impressive on the surface
  • High risk
• Tangible benefits:
  • Pursue real benefits for yourself
  • Practical benefits
  • Safe and secure

"Let others fight for appearances; what you want is substance."

Laozi’s original meaning

• "Just do good deeds; don’t worry about the future"
• Interpretation:
  • Do good deeds (take practical action)
  • Do not compete for fame (keep a low profile)
  • Rewards will naturally follow (things will fall into place)
  • This is a form of self-cultivation

Key understanding

• ❌ Misconception: Not competing = doing nothing = taking no action
• ✅ Correct interpretation: Not competing = not competing for fame ≠ taking no action
  • You should take action (benefiting all things)
  • But do not compete for fame (do not vie for recognition)
  • Give people a good impression (be dependable)
  • Things will fall into place (you will naturally rise to the top)

2.4 The Case of Yu Qian: A Model of Not Competing

About Yu Qian

• Yu Qian (Yu Shaobao):
  • A distinguished minister of the Ming dynasty
  • Saved the Ming dynasty from a crisis
  • A pillar of strength
  • "I must leave my integrity in this world"

The wisdom of not competing

• He served as governor of Shanxi for 20 years:
  • An ordinary person would go crazy
  • Yu Qian remained calm and unhurried
  • Neither competing nor fighting for gains
  • He worked diligently
• At a critical moment:
  • He accepted the mission in a time of crisis
  • Defended Beijing
  • Turned the tide
  • Stepped forward
• A comparison of their outcomes:
  • Yuan Chonghuan: Died by lingchi; the people ate his flesh
  • Tan Sitong: Beheaded; the people threw rotten eggs at him
  • Yu Qian: Wrongfully executed; the people wept bitterly
  • Justice lives in the hearts of the people

Insights

• When you have the ability:
  • What you don't fight for will all be yours
  • You will naturally reach that position
  • This is a form of self-cultivation
  • And also a kind of wisdom

2.5 Water benefits all things and does not contend

Core idea

• "Water benefits all things and does not contend"
• The key is not "not contending," but "benefiting all things"
• The logic:
  • First, benefit all things (do good work)
  • Then, don't vie for recognition (stay humble)
  • Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it (the support or opposition of the people)
  • Then things will naturally fall into place

The Wisdom of Water

• The qualities of water:
  • Benefits all things: nourishes everything
  • Does not contend: stays in a low position
  • Dwells where people disdain: goes where others are unwilling to go
  • The result: closest to the Dao
• Applying this at work:
  • Do more practical work
  • Don't fuss over fame or fortune
  • Take roles others are unwilling to do
  • Eventually earn recognition

Key quotes

• "Not contending is the greatest form of contention; dare to be the last under heaven."
• "Plan carefully before acting; don't contend when you aren't sure you can win."
• "The tallest tree catches the most wind; Laozi prefers to be second for a thousand years."
• "Confucians dare to be first under heaven; Daoists dare to be last."
• "Let others fight for appearances; what you want is substance."
• "Just do good deeds, and don't worry about the future."
• "When you have the ability, what you don't fight for will all be yours."

Practical application

Career advancement

1. Don't actively compete: Wait until the opportunity is ripe
2. He worked diligently: Let your abilities speak for themselves
3. Don't fight for fame; focus on substance: Substance matters more than empty reputation
4. Strike after the opponent has acted: Wait for others to reveal their weaknesses

Getting along with colleagues

1. Don't take credit: Let your colleagues go first
2. Do more work: Practical contributions matter most
3. Don't make enemies: Keep a low profile
4. Win people's hearts: Support will come naturally

Relationships with leaders

1. Don't steal the spotlight: Let the leader speak first
2. Execute diligently: Do the job well
3. Don't compete for credit: Let the team take the credit
4. When it matters most: Step up

Practice checklist

• ☐ Reflect: Am I too competitive at work?
• ☐ Observe: What happened to the people around me who "didn't compete"?
• ☐ Practice: Don't proactively seek opportunities to stand out this week
• ☐ Record: Feedback after doing the work diligently
• ☐ Adjust: Find a balance between "competing" and "not competing"