Chess and Chinese chess are two intellectual and strategic board games from the West and the East, respectively. Playing chess is not only for entertainment but also provides valuable lessons for life, career, and especially in the field of human resource management.

Chinese chess. Source: Internet

The leader

In chess, the king can only move within a narrow range and always needs soldiers to protect it. This surrounding position makes the leader passive, limiting their authority and vision. This is the characteristic of a bureaucratic leader who enjoys flattery, is unable to directly supervise subordinates, and has a narrow strategic vision for the business.

Conversely, the "leader" in chess moves independently to any location. In modern times, this represents a flexible, decisive leader with a comprehensive and insightful perspective. This helps businesses thrive through the policies and strategies of their leaders.

Flexibility

From the very rules of play, chess and Chinese chess are contrasting. Both use knights, but chess allows the knight to jump and move anywhere, while Chinese chess restricts the knight to a designated position. Chess' bishop is more flexible in movement, while Chinese chess's bishop cannot cross the river.

Comparing this to human resource management, we also see two different approaches. No matter how talented an employee is, they will face certain barriers to showcasing their abilities and advancing in a "general's company." Conversely, employees can proactively work, be creative, and freely express their talents to achieve outstanding success in a "king's company." If you aspire to be a brilliant leader, be flexible yet orderly in human resource management. You will receive ideas and contributions that help the company grow.

Photo: Knight in chess. Source: Pexels

Human resource management

The pawn is the lowest-ranking piece on the chessboard. In Chinese chess, after a pawn has fought valiantly and is no longer useful, it is mercilessly removed from the game. In Western chess, however, when a pawn has exhausted its potential to eliminate an opponent and reaches a higher position, it is promoted to any worthy piece except the king.

In business, the pawns are the lowest-ranking employees such as security guards, janitors, and factory workers. Although they are just wage earners and unskilled laborers, they still influence the success of the business. Many leaders have risen from low positions in society.

The story of the pawn illustrates two different approaches to personnel management by two types of leaders. One type of leader doesn't appreciate talent and dedicated employees, or uses employees without clear objectives. They may even be willing to shift blame onto employees even when they are wrong. The other type values ​​fairness and human rights. They provide good compensation and recognize the achievements of talented employees.

Support

It's dangerous to be a pawn in Chinese chess. Only two pawns are protected by two rooks. The rest must protect the king behind them, or even the entire army. A pawn fighting alone is vulnerable and easily killed at any time. However, you're safer as a pawn in chess. Pawns can support each other and receive assistance from higher-ranked pieces.

This rule of the game is all about fair treatment and equity in human resource management. If you provide fairness and support from colleagues and superiors, your employees will confidently work their hardest for the company.

Photo: Pawns are easily removed from the chessboard. Source: bedfornights

Personnel arrangement

Look at the chessboard. Next to the king are two pawns. Pawns aren't the strongest pieces, yet they're next to the most powerful piece. This is like an incompetent, sycophantic person acting as the right-hand man of a leader. This person is also a puppet leader, someone who loves being flattered.

In chess, next to the king is the queen – the second most powerful piece in the system (after the king). This is a correct arrangement and use of personnel by a skilled "leader." Because alongside the leader, there must be talented and authoritative employees to support and manage the work.

Respect for women's rights

Chinese chess doesn't have a queen. Chess, however, does. The queen represents women and female empowerment. In chess, the queen holds the most powerful position in the army. This reflects a new mindset in human resource management in the 4.0 era – emphasizing the role of women and gender equality. Women can hold high positions if they possess genuine competence.

Alongside the king is the queen – the most powerful piece in chess. Source: Unsplash

Chinese chess still has its own strengths in terms of strategic thinking. However, in today's rapidly developing world, it's clear that we should apply the thinking of chess rather than Chinese chess. The lessons learned from the chess pieces are also lessons in human resource management within a business. Play well and you will win.

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