Zeng Guofan: To Get Others to Help You, You Must First Be Proactive in Doing Two Things
At 30, Ren Hanlin was summoned to confess, and died at 62. Zeng Guofan, from a sixth-rank official (a 'peasant official'), rose to be reinstated as a marquis, reaching the pinnacle of his life. Throughout this process, the unassuming Zeng Guofan repeatedly faced setbacks and failures, experiencing three imprisonments. Yet, at critical moments, individuals would step in to help him overcome these crises.
Zeng Guofan believed that a person, regardless of their level, relies on interactions with others. To receive assistance proactively, one must first offer assistance proactively; otherwise, in times of hardship, no one would care, and they might even be subjected to 'bait-and-switch' tactics.
First thing: Don't covet others' achievements.
People often have selfish tendencies. If others benefit without effort, many will explode with anger. Others cling to others' achievements while pretending to be righteous, as if their existence is the only important thing.
Zeng Guofan viewed achievements with a generous perspective, never competing or grasping, which is why many were willing to approach him and help him.
In 33, Zeng Guofan was promoted to Examiner and Assistant Secretary of the Imperial Academy, increasing his contact with the emperor.
Frequent contact with the emperor, as viewed by other ministers, was 'imperial favor'; therefore, requests for assistance also increased. Even Mu Zhang'ao, a first-rank minister, sought his help to make favorable comments before the emperor.
Mu Zhang'ao asked him to recommend his younger brother, Mu Tong, as deputy chief examiner for the Zhejiang Provincial Examinations.
Mu Tong was completely different from Mu Zhang'ao. Mu Tong was a typical 'officer's son'—uneducated and incompetent.
This put Zeng Guofan in a difficult position. Recommending talented individuals to the emperor required some skill, but Mu Tong was simply incapable. Zeng Guofan, seeing Mu Zhang'ao's request, reluctantly agreed, omitting any mention of Mu Tong before the emperor.
Naturally, Zeng Guofan did not mention Mu Tong before the emperor. However, to Zeng Guofan's surprise, Mu Tong continued to serve as deputy chief examiner for the Zhejiang Provincial Examinations.
Mu Zhang'ao was extremely grateful to Zeng Guofan, personally visiting his residence and presenting him with five hundred taels of silver. Zeng Guofan decisively refused Mu Zhang'ao's gratitude, stating that it was not his achievement but the emperor's discerning eye.
However, from that point forward, Mu Zhang'ao continued to assist Zeng Guofan until they parted ways due to differing viewpoints.
Second thing: Persistently promote your own ideas.
Zeng Guofan extensively researched successful individuals throughout history, discovering that they all shared a common trait: consistently promoting their ideas or beliefs—such as Wang Yangming and Zhu Xi.
Zeng Guofan realized that for his success, he needed a firm belief and target, and he needed to pursue them without hesitation.
Zeng Guofan's conviction was to be a loyal subject, serving the emperor and the Qing Dynasty. To spread his ideas, Zeng Guofan actively recruited disciples and staff,
Zeng Guofan's disciples were spread across the world, including Li Hongzhang and Guo Songtao, who later became cornerstones of the Qing Dynasty. Furthermore, Zeng Guofan's staff included various talents, such as Tolaqtan, Peng Yu Lin, Li Xing Rui, and Zhao Lie Wen, who later served as governors and magistrates,
These individuals followed Zeng Guofan's influence, obeying his commands and wholeheartedly supporting him.
It can be said that without the support of these individuals, Zeng Guofan's remarkable achievements and status could not have been realized. All of this was obtained through psychological manipulation.
