Liu Bang, the great ancestor of the Han Dynasty
"Historical Records" records: Benevolence loves others, likes to give, and has a broad mind. He is always generous and does not interfere with family production and work.
This sentence refers to Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty. Liu Bang was born in Peixian County, Jiangsu Province. His parents were farmers in the countryside, and none of his ancestors had ever been an official. This is indeed a portrayal of a child who grew up with pampering. Although he is careless and a bit like an "unworthy child", he is still kind and tolerant. Young people who grew up in this kind of environment naturally don't like the hard and boring farming work. As long as they have the chance, they will be lazy and run away. Therefore, they can only rely on their two brothers to support them. Liu Bang came out to hang out in society very early. He hung out with Zhou Bo, Fan Kuai and others from his hometown all day long, stealing, gambling and drinking, doing nothing. From this point of view, Liu Bang at this time was indeed a "rogue" worthy of the name. No one would have thought that one day he would be able to achieve earth-shattering achievements.
When the world was in chaos at the end of the Qin Dynasty and heroes were vying for power in the Central Plains, Liu Bang rose from a rural scoundrel to conquer the world with a three-foot sword, and finally became the first emperor in Chinese history who was born at the bottom of society.
We have no intention of commenting on Liu Bang's character, but there is no doubt that in history, he has always given people the image of a rogue and a cunning villain. But in terms of political strategy alone, it also leaves us with a question: What did Liu Bang rely on to sit on the throne?
If you study deeply, you will find that in fact, Liu Bang is proficient in only one power, but it is this power that enables him to defeat Xiang Yu, the overlord of Chu, who is "powerful and powerful". Put on the robe and dominate the world! The art of power is to use people. It is no exaggeration to say that Liu Bang can be called the most powerful strategist who knows how to employ people in thousands of years at home and abroad.
He knows people well and makes good use of them. He selects talents in an eclectic way and appoints talents. This is why he has gathered under his command a powerful talent group composed of talented people from different social classes, different origins and experiences. For example: Chen Ping was born in poverty. He took corruption and bribes when he was a minor official, and had an ambiguous relationship with his sister-in-law. He was known as "stealing his sister-in-law and receiving money". After he defected to Liu Bang, he was appointed as the lieutenant of the army guard. He once suggested a counterintuitive strategy to make Xiang Yu eliminate his adviser Fan Zeng, and used the throne to win over the general Han Xin, making a major contribution to the establishment of the Han Dynasty's hegemony. Cao Shen was a minor official in Peixian County; Zhou Bo made a living by making banquets and also served as a drummer to help people with weddings and funerals; Fan Kuai was a butcher who killed dogs; Guan Ying was a cloth seller; Xia Houying was a carriage driver; Peng Yue, Tingbu is a robber... These people are all complex and have different origins, but Liu Bang can trust them and use them. This also shows that Liu Bang has clear standards for hiring people, and only those who can are used.
After five years of arduous Chu-Han War, Liu Bang finally ruled the world and could sit back and relax. How did a "common man" win the war step by step, defeat Xiang Yu, and finally rise to the top of ten thousand people? Where is the throne of His Majesty? Liu Bang "has taken over the world with a three-foot sword in common people", he has often considered how to attract talented people who can use the world; in the practice of seizing power by "angrying the Shu Han, returning the Three Qin Dynasties, and punishing the emperor", he went deeper He deeply realized that talents are the key to success or failure. Similarly, he learned from the lesson of the Qin Dynasty that "loyal ministers did not dare to admonish and wise men did not dare to plan", which led to the loss of political power. He further clearly realized that consolidating political power also requires talents. During the five-year Chu-Han War, Liu Bang suffered repeated defeats. He himself was seriously injured twelve times and captured alive several times. However, relying on Zhang Liang, Xiao He, Han Xin and others, he suffered repeated defeats and finally defeated the weak and won the final victory. It can be said that Liu Bang's successful history is the best evidence of recruiting talents and making use of their talents. Taking history as a mirror will also provide great inspiration to current leaders.
The "Hongmen Banquet" was originally a dangerous situation for Liu Bang, but even in this dangerous situation, Liu Bang's good use of talents can still be reflected. After he discovered that Zhang Liang was a useful talent, he immediately reused him and trusted him very much. After he "escaped", he stepped in for Liu Bang. This can be said to be the ability that a successful politician should have. It is impossible to conquer the world by one person, but it is possible to dominate the world by relying on generals and counselors to work for you.
"Historical Records? The Benji of Emperor Gaozu" records that the emperor (Liu Bang) asked: "How much can I conquer?" Xin (Han Xin) said: "Your Majesty can only conquer one hundred thousand." The emperor said: "In "How are you doing?" Xin said, "The more ministers, the better." Shang smiled and said, "The more the better, why should I be a bird?" ."
This statement reveals the truth, and it also illustrates Liu Bang's skill in employing people. Liu Bang did have his own uniqueness in employing people, and even people like Han Xin, who thought the more troops the better, were "breasted" by him. Indeed, in terms of strategy, he is not as good as Zhang Liang and Chen Ping; in terms of fighting, he is not as good as Han Xin and Peng Yue; in terms of governing the country, he is not as good as Xiao He. However, Liu Bang was able to "general", use talents to the maximum extent, and knew how to put his talents in the most appropriate positions. This is Liu Bang's unique way of employing people.
No matter ancient or modern, the most stable structure in a system is a triangular structure. Xiao He, Zhang Liang, and Han Xin are the stable triangle in Liu Bang's group: they are at parallel levels and are only responsible to the supreme leader Liu Bang. They are interdependent and have a clear division of labor. This division of labor also restricts each other. They are all professionals with different personalities. It is impossible for the three of them to unite to deal with Liu Bang - no one of them can lead the other, and it is impossible to produce a new leader.
As the highest-level leader, he must be in control of the overall situation at all times. It is impossible for one of the forces to develop and grow to the point of threatening the other two, let alone threatening himself. Liu Bang's intelligence and great wisdom are deeply hidden in his political strategy. Being able to employ and control people is Liu Bang's greatest strength and the most important factor in his ability to defeat Xiang Yu and bring peace to the world. Liu Bang himself was also proud of this: "I am not as good as Zifang in planning the curtains and winning the battle thousands of miles away; in controlling the country, caring for the people, providing feedback, and never running out of food, I am not as good as Xiao He; Even with an army of millions, we will win in battle and capture in attack, but I am not as good as Han Xin. These three are all outstanding people, and I can use them. This is why I conquer the world. Xiang Yu has one more example but cannot use them. This is why he is mine. Capture it."
The ingenious combination of Liu Bang and the "Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty" can be regarded as an eternal classic political combination. First of all, Zhang Liang is the more detached among the three. Zhang Liang positions himself as an "imperial master" - he has no political ambitions and no political power. He plays the role of the chief of general staff. Liu Bang trusts him very much and obeys his advice. "The husband's strategy is in the tent, and he can win thousands of miles away. The ovary is the master of it." In comparison, Xiao He had to endure the humiliation and bear the burden. Xiao He himself was very capable and was Liu Bang's right-hand man. Liu Bang respected him very much, but he was not totally defenseless. The key is that Xiao He can better handle the relationship with the "top leaders", that is, "good should be attributed to the superior, and evil should be attributed to oneself." Among the three, Han Xin suffered the worst fate. He was good at fighting but unable to protect himself. But I have to admit that although Han Xin is not a politician, he is a rare military talent. Moreover, Han Xin is also a very tolerant person, and his reputation for "crotch humiliation" will be remembered throughout the ages.
Liu Bang set up a "stage" and asked the three of them to sing. Moreover, Liu Bang grasped the big ones and released the small ones, and everyone went on stage to perform as much as they wanted. Liu Bang did not interfere with specific matters. When he was conquering the world, he basically did not doubt the people he hired, so Liu Bang's political team was very stable. Therefore, politicians must draw a wonderful and stable circle with themselves as the core, establish a huge power group, and then drive this group army to compete with and "cannibalize" various dissident forces, and finally achieve "great unification" ” is a huge circle. At that time, the new task of successful politicians is to balance and restrict the various small circles in the large circle.
The most important reason why Liu Bang was able to attract talents and win the hearts of the people is that he treats others with tolerance, does not stick to trivial matters, and does not pay attention to past grudges. After the defeat of Qin, Prince Ying of Qin rode in a white horse plain chariot and came to surrender in person. All the generals sharpened their swords and said they would kill him as quickly as possible. But Liu Bang said: "King Shihuai sent me, so I can be tolerant; and it is ominous to kill him after he has surrendered." So he ordered people to release Ziying and place him properly. After entering Xianyang, Liu Bang made a three-part rule: "Those who kill will die, and those who injure others and steal will not be punished." He will not take any responsibility for the Qin Dynasty's subjects and officials. Therefore, "the people of Qin were overjoyed and quarreled over cattle, sheep, wine, and food as a feast for the soldiers", "for fear that Pei Gong would not be the king of Qin." Even when dealing with his mortal enemy Xiang Yu, Liu Bang did not adopt the revenge method of killing the corpse and digging out the heart. In the words of "Historical Records", he "buried Xiang Yu in the valley with the title of Lu Gong."
An important aspect of Liu Bang's employment is to be good at listening to other people's opinions and to have the courage to correct his own mistakes. Able to tolerate the mistakes of others and use talents eclectically, even if others do not agree with one's ideas. But Liu Bang is definitely the type of person who is "not a gentleman if he is petty, and he is not a husband if he is not poisonous". If you cannot do this, just as Wang Anshi said in "Xingxian": "Having something but not using it is still nothing." Liu Bang's performance in this regard was outstanding. He was not only willing to listen to different opinions, but also It is not difficult to publicly admit your mistakes and take back your life. When he first led his troops to revolt, an elder named Li Shiqi asked to see him. Liu Bang's attitude was very arrogant and he "sit on the bed and let the two women wash their feet." Li Shiqi said: "With one step, I will kill the unruly Qin. It is not appropriate to sit in front of an elder." After hearing this, Liu Bang immediately admitted his mistake, "took his clothes to thank him, and sat down." After capturing Xianyang and entering the Qin Palace, Liu Bang saw "thousands of women in palaces, curtains, dogs, horses, treasures, treasures" and wanted to stay there to enjoy peace and happiness. Fan Kuai dissuaded him, but he refused to listen. Later, Zhang Liangxiao said with great righteousness: "Husband Qin is unethical, so Pei Gong has come to this point. To eliminate the remnants of thieves from the world, it is better to use raw materials as resources. Now that he has entered the Qin Dynasty, he will be at ease. This is said to be "helping Jie is cruel" and "loyal words are harmful to the ears, and good medicine is bitter to the sick." I hope Pei Gong listens to it. Fan Kuai said: "Liu Bang was so ashamed that he immediately returned to the army.
No one in the world is omnipotent, as the saying goes, "A ruler is short, an inch is strong." Avoiding people's shortcomings and using people's strengths is Liu Bang's key method of employing people. The strength of employing people is based on a comprehensive understanding of talents. He was seriously ill and bedridden. Empress Lu asked: "When Your Majesty reaches one hundred years old, Xiao Xiangguo will die. Who should he replace?" Liu Bang said that Cao Shen could do it. Asked again who Cao Shen should be in the future, Liu Bang replied: "Wang Ling can do it. However, Ling is still weak, so Chen Ping can help him. Chen Ping is more intelligent, but it is difficult for him to be alone. Zhou Bo is rich in literature and short in literature, but the one who can settle the Liu family must be Bo." He can be a Taiwei."
Boldly recruiting frustrated people in the enemy's army is a major feature of Liu Bang's employment. "Xiang Yu is jealous of the virtuous and capable, harms those who have merit, and doubts the sage. He does not contribute to others when he wins, and does not benefit others when he gains territory." Therefore, there were many defectors.
When Han Xin was under Xiang Yu, he could not make full use of his talents. After defecting to Liu Bang, he was recommended by Xiao He and was entrusted with important tasks. Chen Ping was under Xiang Yu as a captain, but because he was afraid of execution, he defected to Liu Bang. Liu Bang worshiped him as a captain and made him a member of the riding committee. Zhou Bo and Guan Ying once slandered him as a protector of the army. Instead of looking down on him, Liu Bang worshiped him as a lieutenant of the protector of the army. The two men also did their best to protect the generals.
Yan Zi was a politician in the Spring and Autumn Period. He once said to Qi Jinggong that there are three unlucky things in the country: "If a husband has a virtuous man but does not know it, the first is unlucky; if he knows but does not use it, the second is unlucky; and if he uses it but does not let it go, the third is unlucky. "The reason why Liu Bang was able to grow from weak to strong in the Chu-Han War, and finally defeat Xiang Yu, and later establish the Western Han Dynasty, has a lot to do with his ability to know people well.
In summary, Liu Bang usually adopts different strategies according to different situations when employing people. When Liu Bang was employing people, he could really let go of you and use you, and when he was trying to punish people, he could really use his hands very well. Liu Bang was a gangster, and then he was a hero among gangsters. He looks easy-going, but is actually vicious. He looks cowardly, but is actually strong. This can be clearly seen from his attitude and use of Han Xin.
First of all, when he was alone and weak, he groveled. When Han Xin first arrived in Han camp, he was still a nobody, and Liu Bang looked down on him. But when he heard Xiao He say that Han Xin was a talented general who could help him conquer the world, he immediately put aside his pretensions as King of Han, built a high platform, held a grand ceremony, and respectfully worshiped Han Xin as a general. He also announced to the whole army: "All officers and soldiers of our Han army will be controlled by the general from now on. If there is anyone who despises the general and disobeys orders, he can do it according to military law and kill him first and report later." That kind of humility and obedience, The whole army was surprised.
Secondly, make generous concessions when the situation is unfavorable. In the fourth year of Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty (203 BC), Liu Bang failed in the Chenggao battlefield, and it was urgent to mobilize troops such as Han Xin and Peng Yue to support the frontal battlefield. Unexpectedly, Han Xin, who had captured Qi at this time, happened to send an envoy to ask Liu Bang to make him a "false king" to pacify Qi. Liu Bang said angrily: "No wonder he has been stationary despite being deployed several times. It turns out he wants to become the king himself!" At this time, Zhang Liang and Chen Ping who were beside him quickly kicked him with their feet. Liu Bang suddenly realized this, and hurriedly changed his tone and said to Han Xin's envoy: "A real man should pacify the princes. When he is a king, he should be a real king. Why should he be a false king?" So he sent Zhang Liang as a special envoy and officially made Han Xin the king of Qi. After Han Xin was sealed, he was naturally willing to lead troops to participate in the war.
Once again, after he became famous, he became ruthless. After Liu Bang became emperor, he made many of his own sons with the same surname kings. At the same time, he always believed that those kings with different surnames who were made kings during the war years were arrogant and looked down on the emperor. So he decided to operate on Han Xin and get rid of the king with a different surname. In the sixth year of Emperor Gaozu (200 BC), Liu Bang announced that he would tour Yunmengze (today's Dongting Lake area) and agreed to meet with the princes in Chendi. When Han Xin arrived, Liu Bang asked his warriors to capture him on the grounds that someone had accused him of treason. When Han Xin defended himself, Liu Bang said sternly: "Someone accuses you of treason, do you dare to deny it?" After escorting Han Xin back to Luoyang, he was demoted to the Marquis of Huaiyin and placed under house arrest in the capital because there was no solid evidence. He was later trapped and killed by Empress Lu. .
Liu Bang is undoubtedly unique in history. He does not have enough literary and military skills to lead the way and set an example for the world. He also has no dragon vein to inherit. What he relies on is just the art of employing people.
It is no exaggeration to say that in terms of employment strategies, Liu Bang can be said to be the first person in history. He can determine his own employment strategy based on different historical periods and situations, and remain unchanged in response to changes. His employment strategy has been simply abstracted from individual "people". He does not talk about employment from the perspective of people, but from the perspective of strategic systems. I am afraid that few people in the world can match such a brilliant employment strategy. Enemy!
“In view of the past, we are qualified to govern.” Liu Bang, a generation of politicians more than 2,000 years ago, used people in a way that is truly thought-provoking and thought-provoking. It was precisely by virtue of such superb employment skills that Liu Bang was successful all the way, constantly expanding his territory, and reaching the peak of politics and society in the early Han Dynasty. Liu Bang's employment strategies ranged from frankness and kindness to deceit and cunning. As a politician in the feudal era, the alternate use of these strategies was an important factor in the success of his career.