Reading people
Chen Ping
Leaving clean
Chen Ping (Western Han · d. 178 BC) — Leaving clean.
What actually happened?
Chen Ping grew up on thirty mu of land, with his elder brother farming while he studied. One year, at the village sacrifice, he was put in charge of carving the meat, and he divided it so evenly that the elders praised him. He sighed and said that if he were given the running of the world, he would divide it just like this meat.
Leave what is not yours
He sealed the gold and seal of office his old master gave him and sent them back. Nothing of Xiang Yu's went with him, which left his old master one less thing to say about him.
Hand over accounts, files and client lists before you go.
Answer suspicion where they can see
A boatman suspected him of carrying valuables, and he took his clothes off to help pole the boat. Doubt cannot be talked away; it has to be answered with something the other person's eyes can check.
If they suspect you took data, go through the handover list with them.
Have something to be tested on
Liu Bang asked why he should be trusted, and Chen Ping said to use his plans if useful and hand the gold in if not. He could say it because he really had plans to deliver.
Say you will deliver one concrete thing in your first three months.
How do I use it today?
This week, list the things you hold that were given to you by someone else: accounts, files, keys, client lists. If you ever leave, that list is your sealed gold and seal.
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Lines to keep
When they doubt you, let them see for themselves.
Have something to be checked before you invite the check.