Currently reading the book 47 Ronin by Allyn, John. There's one part that interest me when Lord Kira talk with the Shogun.
Shogun asked how are things and has there been any problems? Kira replied, there are always problems but nothing he can't handle. Shogun praised him saying if only all the Daimyo are capable and reliable as him. Kira then said, actually there is one problem that he is struggling with, but he try to solve it as soon as possible, as not to affect the Shogun. The Shogun thought for a moment and asked what is it about, so Kira used the opportunity to seek his advice.
I like the cleverness Kira had when replying, because usually when our boss asked in meetings, "are there any problems?", we usually say, "no", because we either solved them or it's not a big deal to talk about it. But the problem is that it gives a false impression that we do not have any problems to solve and that we have an easy job. That's how we usually get overwhelmed with more workloads and often get overlooked in getting a promotion as we have achieved nothing.
We can be like Kira, say, "yeah, there are problems. but nothing i can't handle." That would put our boss in a good mood, knowing that his employee can handle the problems he doesn't want to know. Now that he's in a good mood, you can finally brought up that real problem you're having to ask for advice and negotiate.
Kira may be the "villain" in the book but there are useful traits that we can follow. Asano may be the "hero" but he's too straightforward for his own good that he tend to make enemies without realizing. That's why the "good" ones often suffers at workplace while the "bad" ones often get ahead in getting what they want.
Office politics is as deadly as the court politics of the Samurai.
I can imagine Tadanobu Asano's face when reading this book. He played Kira in the 2013 movie '47 Ronin'. 🤣
