control basics

Question 1

Never Outshine the Master

Answer 1

Make those above you feel superior. Do not draw too much attention to your own talents. Example (Praise your boss’s ideas in meetings while subtly showcasing your own contributions.)

Question 2

Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies

Answer 2

Build strategic relationships with a mix of allies and rivals. Use enemies to gain valuable insights. Example(Collaborate with a former competitor to leverage their expertise and insights.)

Question 3

Conceal Your Intentions

Answer 3

Keep your long-term goals and strategies private to prevent others from interfering. Example (: If starting a new business, keep your plans confidential until you are ready to launch.)

Question 4

Always Say Less Than Necessary

Answer 4

Communicate clearly but avoid revealing too much. Silence can be powerful. Example (During a negotiation, stick to key points and avoid over-explaining.)

Question 5

So Much Depends on Reputation – Guard It with Your Life

Answer 5

Protect your reputation by consistently demonstrating reliability and integrity. Example (Follow through on commitments and address any issues promptly to maintain a strong image.)

Question 6

Court Attention at All Costs

Answer 6

Make yourself stand out and be memorable through dramatic and bold actions. Example( Launch a high-profile marketing campaign to ensure your brand is noticed.)

Question 7

Get Others to Do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit

Answer 7

Assign tasks to team members but highlight your role in coordinating and achieving success. Example(Assign tasks to team members but highlight your role in coordinating and achieving success)

Question 8

Make Other People Come to You – Use Bait if Necessary

Answer 8

Create opportunities where others are motivated to seek you out rather than you pursuing them. Example( Offer valuable content or expertise that attracts potential clients to approach you.)

Question 9

Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument

Answer 9

Demonstrate your capabilities through performance rather than engaging in disputes. Example(Deliver results on a project to showcase your skills rather than arguing about your qualifications.
)

Question 10

Be cautious of negative individuals who can impact your own success and morale.

Answer 10

Avoid associating closely with pessimistic people who may drag you down. Example (Avoid associating closely with pessimistic people who may drag you down.
)

Question 10

Create scenarios where others rely on your skills or resources to achieve their goals.

Answer 10

Become the go-to person for critical information in your organization. Example (Become the go-to person for critical information in your organization.)

Question 11

Use Selective Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your Victim

Answer 11

Employ strategic acts of kindness or honesty to build trust and gain influence. Example ( Offer a helpful insight to a key stakeholder to build rapport and facilitate future negotiations.)

Question 11

When Asking for Help, Appeal to People’s Self-Interest, Never to Their Mercy or Gratitude

Answer 11

Frame requests to show how the assistance will benefit the other person. Example ( Emphasize how their support will help them achieve their own goals when asking for help.)

Question 12

Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy

Answer 12

Gather information subtly by building relationships and listening carefully. Example (: Engage in casual conversations to learn about industry trends or competitors.
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Question 13

Crush Your Enemy Totally

Answer 13

After a successful business takeover, implement measures to solidify your market position. Example (After a successful business takeover, implement measures to solidify your market position.)

Question 14

Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor

Answer 14

Step back periodically to create anticipation and enhance your perceived value. Example (Take breaks from public appearances to build intrigue and appreciation for your contributions.
)

Question 15

Keep Others in Suspended Terror: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability

Answer 15

Be adaptable and unpredictable to keep others uncertain and responsive. Example (Change your approach or strategy periodically to prevent others from predicting your moves.)

Question 16

Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself – Isolation is Dangerous

Answer 16

Stay connected and engaged with your network to remain informed and supported.

Example: Attend industry events and maintain communication with key contacts to stay relevant

Question 17

Know Who You’re Dealing With – Do Not Offend the Wrong Person

Answer 17

Understand and be cautious of the people you interact with to avoid conflict.

Example: Research key stakeholders’ backgrounds to avoid offending them in negotiations.

Question 18

Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker – Seem Dumber Than Your Mark

Answer 18

Downplay your intelligence to avoid appearing threatening and encourage others to reveal more.

Example: Act as if you need assistance in areas where you are actually skilled to gather more information.

Question 18

Do Not Commit to Anyone

Answer 18

Maintain independence to preserve your flexibility and avoid being tied down.

Example: Keep your options open by working with multiple partners or pursuing various projects.

Question 19

Use the Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness into Power

Answer 19

Use strategic retreats or concessions to gain a better position or build stronger alliances.

Example: Concede minor points to gain favor and position yourself advantageously for future negotiations.

Question 20

Concentrate Your Forces

Answer 20

Focus your resources and efforts on key areas to maximize impact and effectiveness.

Example: Invest time and energy into projects with the highest potential for success.

Question 21

Play the Perfect Courtier

Answer 21

Master charm and diplomacy to navigate complex social or professional environments.

Example: Use tact and persuasion to build relationships and influence decision-makers.

Question 22

Re-Create Yourself

Answer 22

Continuously evolve your personal brand or approach to stay relevant and compelling.

Example: Update your skills and adapt your image to align with changing trends and opportunities.

Question 23

Keep Your Hands Clean

Answer 23

Avoid direct involvement in controversial or negative situations to maintain a positive image.

Example: Delegate sensitive tasks to others while managing issues from a distance.

Question 24

Play on People’s Need to Believe to Create a Cultlike Following

Answer 24

Craft a compelling vision that resonates with others’ desires and aspirations.

Example: Develop a strong personal brand or mission statement to inspire and attract supporters.

Question 25

Enter Action with Boldness

Answer 25

Approach challenges and opportunities with confidence and decisiveness.

Example: Launch a new initiative with a clear and assertive plan to gain immediate attention.

Question 26

Plan All the Way to the End

Answer 26

Anticipate and plan for all potential outcomes to ensure success and mitigate risks.

Example: Create detailed plans with contingency strategies to address obstacles.

Question 27

Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless

Answer 27

Conceal the hard work behind your successes to enhance your perceived talent.

Example: Present achievements as the result of natural ability rather than extensive effort.

Question 28

Control the Options: Get Others to Play with the Cards You Deal

Answer 28

Frame situations to offer choices that all lead to your preferred outcome.

Example: Present negotiation options that all align with your objectives.

Question 29

Play to People’s Fantasies

Answer 29

Appeal to people’s desires and dreams to gain their support or engagement.

Example: Market products as a means to achieve an ideal lifestyle that resonates with your audience.

Question 30

Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew

Answer 30

Identify and leverage others’ weaknesses or desires to influence their behavior.

Example: Understand what motivates key individuals and use this knowledge strategically.

Question 31

Be Royal in Your Own Fashion: Act Like a King to Be Treated Like One

Answer 31

Conduct yourself with confidence and dignity to command respect and authority.

Example: Dress and behave with elegance and confidence, demanding respect and recognition from others.

Question 32

Create Compelling Spectacles

Answer 32

Use dramatic and memorable actions to captivate and influence others.

Example: Organize a grand event to launch a product, ensuring it leaves a lasting impression.

Question 33

Master the Art of Timing

Answer 33

Know when to act and when to wait. Timing is crucial for success.

Example: Launch a business initiative at a time when the market is most favorable.

Question 34

Disdain Things You Cannot Have: Ignoring Them is the Best Revenge

Answer 34

If you cannot obtain something, diminish its importance and move on.

Example: If a job opportunity you wanted falls through, focus on other opportunities rather than dwelling on the loss.

Question 35

Think as You Like but Behave Like Others

Answer 35

Maintain your individuality while outwardly conforming to social norms to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

Example: Keep your unconventional ideas private while presenting a conventional front in professional settings.

Question 36

Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish

Answer 36

Create confusion and turmoil to exploit opportunities and gain an advantage.

Example: Disrupt a competitor’s market position to create openings for your own business.

Question 37

Despise the Free Lunch

Answer 37

Avoid accepting free offers, as they often come with hidden costs or obligations.

Example: If offered free services, be cautious and consider what might be expected in return.

Question 38

Avoid Stepping into a Great Man’s Shoes

Answer 38

Forge your own path rather than following in the footsteps of someone great, which can overshadow your own achievements.

Example: Establish your own unique vision and identity rather than trying to replicate a predecessor’s success.

Question 39

Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter

Answer 39

Remove or neutralize key influencers to weaken their followers.

Example: Discredit or isolate a leader within an organization to cause disruption and chaos among their team.

Question 40

Work on the Hearts and Minds of Others

Answer 40

Influence people emotionally and intellectually to win their support and loyalty.

Example: Develop strong relationships by understanding and appealing to the values and aspirations of key stakeholders.

Question 41

Disarm and Infuriate with the Mirror Effect

Answer 41

Reflect others’ behavior back at them to confuse and irritate them.

Example: Mimic a competitor’s strategies and tactics to unsettle and disorient them.

Question 42

Preach the Need for Change, but Never Reform Too Much at Once

Answer 42

Advocate for change gradually to avoid resistance and backlash.

Example: Implement incremental changes in your organization to ease the transition rather than pushing for abrupt reforms.

Question 43

Never Appear Too Perfect

Answer 43

Display some flaws or vulnerabilities to avoid envy and hostility from others.

Example: Share occasional struggles or challenges to appear more relatable and avoid being seen as untouchable.

Question 44

Do Not Go Past the Mark You Aimed For; In Victory, Learn When to Stop

Answer 44

Know when to stop and consolidate your gains rather than pushing too far.

Example: After achieving a major goal, focus on maintaining your success rather than overextending and risking it.

Question 45

Assume Formlessness

Answer 45

Be adaptable and flexible to navigate changing circumstances and maintain an advantage.

Example: Adjust your strategies and tactics in response to evolving market conditions to stay ahead.