Visa V under CEO Alfred Kelly

 

HEXAGRAM 14 – Ta Yu – Possession in Great Measure

Above    LI    THE CLINGING, FLAME

Below    CH’IEN    THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN

• The fire in heaven above shines far, and
  
• all things
  
  • stand out in the light and
    
  • become, manifest.
    

• The weak fifth line occupies the place of honor, and
  
• all the strong lines are in accord with it.
  

All things come to the man who is

• modest and kind
  
• in a high position. 1
  

 

THE JUDGMENT

POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE.

Supreme success.

The two trigrams indicate that strength and clarity unite.

Possession in great measure

• is determined by fate and
  
• accords with the time.
  

How is it possible that the weak line has power

• to hold the strong lines fast and
  
• to possess them?
  

It is done by virtue of unselfish modesty.

The time is favorable – a time of

• strength within,
  
• clarity and culture without.
  

Power is expressing itself in a graceful and controlled way.

This brings supreme success and wealth. 2

 

THE IMAGE

Fire in heaven above: The image of POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE .

Thus the superior man

• curbs evil and
  
• furthers good, And thereby
  
• obeys the benevolent will of heaven.
  

The sun in heaven above,

shedding light over everything on earth,

is the image of possession on a grand scale.

But a possession of this sort must be administered properly.

The sun brings both evil and good into the light of day.

Man

• must combat and curb the evil, and
  
• must favor and promote the good.
  

Only in this way does he fulfill the benevolent will of God,

who desires

• only good and
  
• not evil.
  

 

THE LINES

Nine at the beginning means:

No relationship with what is harmful;

There is no blame in this.

If

• one remains conscious of difficulty,
  
• One remains without blame.
  

Great possession

• that is still in its beginnings and
  
• that has not yet been challenged brings no blame,
  

since there has been no opportunity to make mistakes.

Yet there are many difficulties to be overcome.

It is only by remaining conscious of these difficulties

• that one can keep inwardly free of possible arrogance and wastefulness, and
  
• thus in principle overcome all cause for blame.
  

Nine at the top means:

He is blessed by heaven.

Good fortune.

Nothing that does not further.

• In the fullness of possession and
  
• at the height of power,
  

one remains modest and

gives honor to the sage who stands outside the affairs of the world.

By this means

• one puts oneself under the beneficent influence descending from heaven, and
  
• all goes well.
  

Confucius says of this line:

To bless means to help.

• Heaven helps the man who is devoted;
  
• men help the man who is true.
  

He who

• walks in truth and
  
• is devoted in his thinking, and furthermore
  
• reveres the worthy,
  
  • is blessed by heaven. He
    
  • has good fortune, and
    
  • there is nothing that would not further.
    

 

MOVING HEXAGRAM

 

HEXAGRAM 32 – Heng – Duration

Above    CHEN    THE AROUSING, THUNDER

Below    SUN    THE GENTLE, WIND

• The strong trigram Chen is above,
  
• the weak trigram Sun below.
  

This hexagram is the inverse of the preceding one.

• In the latter we have influence,
  
• here we have union as an enduring condition.
  

The two images are thunder and wind,

which are likewise constantly paired phenomena.

• The lower trigram indicates gentleness within;
  
• the upper, movement without.
  

In the sphere of social relationships,

the hexagram represents the institution of marriage

as the enduring union of the sexes.

• During courtship
  
  • the young man subordinates himself to the girl,
    
• but in marriage, which is represented by the coming together of
  

  the eldest son and the eldest daughter,
  

  • the husband is the directing and moving force outside,
    
  • while the wife, inside, is gentle and submissive.
    

 

THE JUDGMENT

DURATION. Success. No blame.

Perseverance furthers.

It furthers one to have somewhere to go.

Duration

• is a state whose movement is not worn down by hindrances.
  
• It is not a state of rest, for mere standstill is regression.
  

  Duration
  

• is rather the self-contained and therefore self-renewing movement of
  

  an organized, firmly integrated whole,
  

  • taking place in accordance with immutable laws and
    
  • beginning anew at every ending.
    

The end is reached by an inward movement,

by inhalation, systole, contraction, and

this movement turns into a new beginning, in which

the movement is directed outward,

in exhalation, diastole, expansion.

Heavenly bodies exemplify duration.

They move in their fixed orbits, and

because of this their light-giving power endures.

The seasons of the year

• follow a fixed law of change and transformation, hence
  
• can produce effects that endure.
  

So likewise

the dedicated man

• embodies an enduring meaning in his way of life, and thereby
  
• the world is formed.
  

In that which gives things their duration,

we can come to understand the nature of all beings

• in heaven and
  
• on earth.
  

 

THE IMAGE

Thunder and wind: the image of DURATION.

Thus the superior man

• stands firm And
  
• does not change his direction.
  

• Thunder rolls, and
  
• the wind blows;
  

both

• are examples of extreme mobility and so
  
• are seemingly the very opposite of duration,
  

but the laws governing their appearance and subsidence,

their coming and going, endure.

In the same way

the independence of the superior man is not based on

• rigidity and
  
• immobility of character.
  

He always

• keeps abreast of the time and
  
• changes with it.
  

What endures is

• the unswerving directive,
  
• the inner law of his being,
  

  which determines all his actions.
  

 

 

 

 

14 POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE

MANAGERIAL ISSUE:

The CEO – managing under the possession of great qualities.

Hexagram 14 describes a CEO who rises to the highest position, in spite of the fact he is perceived as the “weakest” of the managers. Weakness is not meant to represent weakness in character but rather an easy going misdemeanor compared with all the Prima Donnas that surround him. He represents the union of Strength and Clarity as well as the expression of unselfish modesty.

The CEO’s qualities are his abilities as a leader:

1. Inner strength.
   
2. In depth knowledge of men to graciously lead them.
   
3. In depth knowledge of the business.
   
4. Humility,
   
5. Good disposition,
   
6. Clear vision.
   
7. Communication skills.
   

All of his fellow managers willingly follow him because they:

• Recognize and appreciate his qualities, and
  
• Feel he is the chosen one for these times. Heaven grants it to him.
  

• The I CHING says: “All things come to the man who is modest and kind in a high position.”
  

MANAGERIAL LESSON:

The CEO’s clear vision comes from his ability to manage with justice and transparency, punishing the poor performers (quickly and without any animosity) and rewarding the good ones (longer and with good feelings). He keeps merit as his north and thus never goes wrong. This is one of the greatest managerial lessons – whoever rewards merit and punishes evil will go far. Even the weakest of the managers can manage a great corporation made up of great managers if he is humble and keeps merit as his north. The more capable and knowledgeable managers will return the appreciation and back his policies. This is an ideal situation for both the CEO and the corporation. If we add this to the fact this corporation has a great culture, then we clearly have the elements for success.

The I Ching defines the essence of management in three simple sentences:

• The sun brings both evil and good into the light of day.
  
• Man must combat and curb the evil, and must favor and promote the good.
  
• Only in this way does he (the Superior CEO) fulfill the benevolent will of God, who desires only good and not evil.
  

Hexagram 14 Possession in Great Measure brings Lincoln easily to mind as well as Eisenhower surrounded by Patton, McArthur ET all. But when it comes to management applied to business, perhaps the ideal example would be that of Andrew Carnegie, the creator of Bethlehem Steel, He used to say that his formula for success was basically his ability to surround himself with men more capable than himself, and his ability to make them work for him. His formula included in-depth knowledge of men, a clear vision, a great deal of humility and good character and generosity in rewarding talent and merit.

• The I CHING says: “How is it possible that the weak line has power to hold the strong lines fast and to possess them? It is done by virtue of unselfish modesty
  

INVESTMENT ADVICE:

For the investor, the Possession in Great Measure is in general a favorable Time-Space to invest.

By itself (no lines) the Hexagram is excellent because the CEO is humble and because it is Heaven sent.

POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE.

Supreme success.

The two trigrams indicate that strength and clarity unite. Possession in great measure is determined by fate and accords with the time. How is it possible that the weak line has power to hold the strong lines fast and to possess them? It is done by virtue of unselfish modesty. The time is favorable – a time of strength within, clarity and culture without. Power is expressing itself in a graceful and controlled way. This brings supreme success and wealth.

Ironically, even though Hexagram 14 represents a positive Time-Space to invest; however, there are only two instances where there is a clear possibility for positive returns.

THE LINES

NINE IN THE FIRST PLACE

Managerial Issue:    The CEO – managing under the possession of great assets/qualities – at the start of his mandate – getting a break from his opponents for his mistakes.

Managerial Lesson: Be aware.

Managerial Warning: At the first stage of the Possession in Great Measure Time-Space, the CEO possesses excellent qualities but, nevertheless, is only beginning his work and his skills have not been put to the test. It is still too early to be attacked by other managers or to make mistakes. Nevertheless, the final result will be positive because the CEO is humble and searches for the truth with the only purpose of improving his corporation.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO is:

• Mistrustful of establishing any alliance/merger that might harm the corporation,
  
• Aware of his lack of experience at all times. He knows this feeling will force him to be humble, and it is humility what keeps a CEO from making mistakes.
  
• Efficient in allocating the corporate resources.
  

Investment Advice: Do not invest.

NINE IN THE SECOND PLACE

Managerial Issue:     The CEO – managing under the possession of great assets/qualities – delegating tasks to his best managers.

Managerial Lesson: Be encouraging.

Managerial Warning: At the second stage of the Possession in Great Measure Time-Space, the CEO is liable to make mistakes in reaching his goals should he fail to have the following:

• Abundant assets: Inventories/solid balance sheet/financials.
  
• Strong demand for its products,
  
• Capacity to deploy them quickly (both the assets and the products).
  

In a way this is similar to the Toyota Production System known as Just-in-Time

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO executes his projects even though they might be ambitious and varied. In this particular case, his corporation meets the requirements mentioned above and has plenty of executive talent. This allows the CEO to delegate the various responsibilities with complete confidence. All this, added to the CEO’s humility, clear objectives and fervent desire to reward merits, ensures this CEO will reach his goals

Investment Advice: Do not invest

NINE IN THE THIRD PLACE

Managerial Issue:    The CEO – managing under the possession of great qualities – putting the corporate assets to the service of the consumer/world.

Managerial Lesson: Be generous – share.

Managerial Warning: At the third stage of the Possession in Great Measure Time-Space, the CEO risks damaging the corporation should he fail to implement an open architecture.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO follows three basic managerial lessons (the corporation’s profitability is a result of his ability to follow these rules properly):

1. He views the corporation as a provider of goods and services for the well being of society.
   

1. He views the corporation as an instrument for the common good and not his own private property. In this way, he will:
   

• Expand his investment horizon and think in terms of the next 200 years rather than in the next 10 years before his retirement,
  
• Be humble and selfless rather than arrogant and selfish.
  

1. He realizes that:
   

• A corporation that thinks and acts for the well being of humanity, will develop products for the well being of the community and will therefore need very little marketing effort, while
  
• A corporation that only acts in terms of profitability rather than the common good will develops harmful products and requires massive marketing efforts to sell those products (Phillips Morris’s cigarettes).
  

All discoveries, all products and its respective developments must be placed to the service of society. Creativity must be open that others may add to it.

What is the use of finding the cure for a disease if the pharmaceutical corporation will only sell it to a chosen few?

What is the use of creating a product if the corporation will only produce it in a single particular way and not grant licenses for others to manufacture it in more attractive ways?

This is the line of Ford and its refusal to produce a great variety of cars (only the T Model and black), the line of Sony and its refusal to share its Betamax technology, the line of Apple and its refusal to grant licenses agreements to other computer manufacturers. Every time a corporation refuses to share its knowledge, someone else will encroach on its property rights.

This reminds us of IBM’s concept: the corporation that shares its power will keep it.

Unfortunately in this case, the CEO might not follow the I Ching’s advice and the results will be negative.

Investment Advice: Do not invest.

NINE IN THE FOURTH PLACE

Managerial Issue:    The CEO – managing under the possession of great qualities – keeping away from aggressive and harmful fellow CEOs.

Managerial Lesson: Be cautious.

Managerial Warning: At the fourth stage of the Possession in Great Measure Time-Space, the CEO must recognize his fellow CEOs will pursue selfish goals harmful to the industry.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO is prudent. He knows he must keep himself away from selfish goals and must take no part in their fellow CEO’s scheming. He is neither influenced by the wrong perceptions of his fellow CEOs nor joins them in any mergers or ventures.

Even though he keeps apart from such selfish goals, his fellow CEOs might very well damage the industry’s image.

Investment advice: Do not invest. Look for better alternatives.

SIX IN THE FIFTH PLACE

Managerial Issue: The CEO – managing under the possession of great qualities – gaining followers with his humility.

Managerial Lesson: Be sincere.

Managerial Warning: At the fifth stage of the Possession in Great Measure Time-Space, the CEO’s corporation is going through a very favorable financial condition. By showing honest appreciation to the employees and the clients, the CEO has created a general positive attitude toward the corporation. The corporation’s favorable financial conditions reflect this positive attitude. The I Ching warns the CEO that, however, there is a danger this positive attitude might turn into a negative one where employees and clients will feel contempt for this corporation.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO maintains his sincerity at all times. He knows that In this alone depends his success. The CEO’s sincerity translates into a policy of justice: punishing poor performance and rewarding only merit. This policy will bring about excellent results for the corporation. The other managers will support his policies because of his rectitude. Even though it is natural for his enemies to belittle his achievements, nevertheless, he will know how to handle them with humility and justice.

Investment Advice: Invest.

NINE IN THE SIXTH PLACE

Managerial Issue:    The CEO – managing under the possession of great qualities – keeping humble in victory, rewarding merit to those who deserve it.

Managerial Lesson: Be humble/generous.

Managerial Warning: At the sixth stage of the Possession in Great Measure Time-Space, the corporation has the mandate of Heaven and possession of great assets/qualities. Under such favorable conditions, the corporation can accomplish anything it sets out to do. The mandate of Heaven alone has turned the corporation into a very profitable one. The I Ching warns the CEO, such Heaven sent accomplishments demand humility.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO is humble in victory and shares his merits and rewards with his employees. This is one of the most difficult things for anyone to do but by keeping humble, the CEO bows to the will of Heaven. This action will in turn bestow upon the CEO even more honors and merits. Thus the CEO meets some of Confucius basic rules for success:

• if you want the backing of society,
  
  • think in the common good and not on your own good,
    
• if you want the backing of your followers,
  
  • be truthful and fair when it comes to rewarding them for their merits,
    
• if you want the backing of your superiors
  
  • do honor on to them.
    

Then, everything will point to success.

• The I Ching says: Confucius says of this line: “Heaven helps the man who is devoted; men help the man who is true. He who walks in truth and is devoted in his thinking-, and furthermore reveres the worthy, is blessed by Heaven. He has good fortune, and there is nothing that would not further.”
  
  

Investment advice: Invest.

 

32 DURATION

MANAGERIAL ISSUE:

The CEO – managing relationships (with employees, customers, shareholders) to endure.

The Duration Time Space (Hexagram 32) is the inverse of the previous one and helps the CEO understand that one thing is to Influence, Woo or court the employees, customers or shareholders but another is to make the relationship last, such as in a marriage. While in the previous Hexagram (31) the CEO manages to Influence, Woo or courts the employees, customers, or shareholders, Hexagram 32 is about managing the lasting (Duration) relationship and how each part should behave once the courtship has ended and the union has been established.

The I Ching:

• Compares this Duration (a lasting union) with marriage, which is the symbol of this Hexagram, or the essence of duration. While in courting it is the man (CEO) who should take a subordinate position, in marriage it is the wife who should take a subordinate position. The CEO, as the husband, should lead while the employees, as the wife, should follow. As long as there is harmony or unity between the CEO and the employees, the relationship will last and the corporation will endure. That is, there will be Duration. Thus maintaining the unity is the main ingredient to make marriage last or endure (Duration).
  

• Describes the essence of what makes a union last as motion rather than stillness. This union will exist provided three elements are present: order, unity and never ending cycles. These cycles start with an outward motion and end with an inward motion. This is amazingly similar to the breathing cycle of the Buddha in which the Universe expands when the Buddha exhales and then contracts when the Buddha inhales. In the case of the Buddha or the Universe, this period lasts billions of years. In the case of the CEO’s mandate or the corporation it may last just a few years but they are still part of an expanding and contracting cycle.
  

MANAGERIAL LESSON:

During the Duration Time-Space, the Superior CEO:

• Meditates on the meaning of the law (and compliance) and the principles and realizes:
  

• The law (principles) are his best friends.
  
• The law (principles) is what really matters.
  
• The law (principles) is everlasting.
  
• The law (principles) will not change even though the circumstances might change,
  
• To know the law, to meditate over the law, to execute the law should not be seen as being inflexible.
  
• To reward good and to punish evil is a basic law and the Superior CEO is inflexible in its implementation; yet to create a wide variety of both rewards and punishments is a true mark of flexibility.
  

• Combines the eternal or that which never changes with the temporary or that which always change. In the case of Google for instance, the technology might be changing all the time, but the principle to make its employees produce the best software and continue to improve it all the time is very much dependent on the incentives Google provides its employees. The principle of rewarding merit and effort as the way to improve performance is as eternal as the universe itself and it is evident in the law of the survival of the fittest; however, the idea of compensating merit with specifics, such as stock option plans, is relatively new and subject to change. The I CHING’s recommendation to the CEO to combine the eternal principles (laws) with the temporary is a wonderful piece of advice.
  

• Is balanced. The Superior CEO unites (to create Duration) the same long lasting qualities within with the ones he wants to project without – that is, he has unity of body and spirit. He recognizes he must be one within (himself) if he wants to be one without (the corporation). A house divided cannot stand. A CEO who is not in harmony with his own self because he lacks emotional intelligence is bound to hesitate and make mistakes. But the greatest law the CEO must obey is to be true to his own self, to conquer himself. If he cannot conquer his own self (his fears, doubts, weaknesses), how can he conquer or lead others? Only if the CEO conquers himself will he be firm in his purpose. What kind of direction will he give his corporation if he changes his mind all the time?
  

INVESTMENT ADVICE:

For the investor, the DURATION is a favorable Time-Space to invest.

By itself (no lines) it points to success because the CEO has a good opportunity to create Duration.

HEXAGRAM 32 – Heng – Duration

DURATION. Success. No blame.

Perseverance furthers.

It furthers one to have somewhere to go.

Duration is a state whose movement is not worn down by hindrances. It is not a state of rest, for mere standstill is regression. Duration is rather the self-contained and therefore self-renewing movement of an organized, firmly integrated whole, taking place in accordance with immutable laws and beginning anew at every ending. The end is reached by an inward movement, by inhalation, systole, contraction, and this movement turns into a new beginning, in which the movement is directed outward, in exhalation, diastole, expansion.

Heavenly bodies exemplify duration. They move in their fixed orbits, and because of this their light-giving power endures. The seasons of the year follow a fixed law of change and transformation, hence can produce effects that endure.

So likewise the dedicated man embodies an enduring meaning in his way of life, and thereby the world is formed. In that which gives things their duration, we can come to understand the nature of all beings in heaven and on earth.

Unfortunately, if there are any lines present, the investment becomes a poor alternative because in none of the lines the CEO is able to create Duration.

THE LINES

SIX IN THE FIRST PLACE

Managerial Issue: The CEO – managing relationships (with employees, customers, shareholders) to endure – failing to create Duration by rushing to create it.

Managerial Lesson: Be patient.

Managerial Warning: At the first stage of the Duration Time-Space, the CEO pushes too hard to bring about too many changes in the corporation.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO’s greatest virtues are his patience and moderation. There are no shortcuts to success. He knows that: “Whatever endures can be created only gradually by long continued work and careful reflection.”

Investment Advice: Do not invest.

NINE IN THE SECOND PLACE

Managerial Issue: The CEO – managing relationships (with employees, customers, shareholders) to endure – failing to create Duration by overstretching his resources.

Managerial Lesson: Be self-controlled.

Managerial Warning: At the second stage of the Duration Time-Space, the CEO’s faces “an abnormal situation where his force of character is greater than the available material power which holds him back when attempting something beyond his strength”. That is, his drive might be too strong for the corporation’s employees. Or at least that is how the CEO might perceive the situation.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO is fearless in the execution of his plans. In this particular case and in this particular moment, fate has ordained that it is proper to push for his plans. To be resolute is a must when the CEO has the mandate of Heaven.

Investment Advice: Do not invest. It might be possible to invest, but it is best to look for better alternatives.

NINE IN THE THIRD PLACE

Managerial Issue: The CEO – managing relationships (with employees, customers, shareholders) to endure – failing to create Duration by losing his inner sense of balance.

Managerial Advice: Be consistent.

Managerial Warning: At the third stage of the Duration Time-Space, the CEO allows the external conditions (turmoil of the economy or the industry) to affect him.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO has the inner strength and harmony to cope with the outer turmoil. This inner strength enables him to successfully lead his corporation. The Superior CEO knows that to conquer others he must conquer himself first. Here the I CHING leaves open the possibility that there might be an inherent weakness in the CEO.

Investment Advice: Do not invest.

NINE IN THE FOURTH PLACE

Managerial Issue: The CEO – managing relationships (with employees, customers, shareholders) to endure – failing to create Duration by uniting with the wrong market, product, employees or partners.

Managerial Lesson: Be thorough.

Managerial Warning: At the fourth stage of the Duration Time-Space, the CEO is barking up the wrong tree. He is looking for a corporation to take over or an industry to get into or even a product to launch. Yet he is at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO knows that to go after something for the sake of it is not enough. There has to be unity or compatibility between the nature of the corporation and the nature of what they are trying to buy or produce. Unfortunately, most CEOs tend to make this mistake. There have been so many cases of CEOs buying out the wrong corporations knowing full well there was no harmony and no sense of unity between them.

Investment Advice: Do not invest.

SIX IN THE FIFTH PLACE

Managerial Issue: The CEO – managing relationships (with employees, customers, shareholders) to endure – failing to create Duration by pleasing rather than doing his duty.

Managerial Lesson: Be dutiful.

Managerial Warning: At the fifth stage of the Duration Time-Space, the CEO fails to do his duty because he is more interested in pleasing (employees, customers) rather than in doing his job.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO, as the husband, leads based on principles and a sense of duty, while the employees, as the wife, follow. His main job is to do his duty, to keep the corporation safe, to create Duration (make it endure or last) – if necessary the Superior CEO will fire thousands of employees or even lower their salaries. His duty is not to please the employees or the public opinion. When the CEO only aims to please the employees, the employees will do well but the CEO and the corporation will lose. Sometimes this is also the case of a corporate buy-out where the corporation taken over will do well but the corporation taking it over will do poorly.

Investment Advice: Do not invest.

SIX IN THE SIXTH PLACE

Managerial Issue: The CEO – managing relationships (with employees, customers, shareholders) to endure – failing to create Duration by jumping from market to market, from product to product, and from employees to employees.

Managerial Lesson: Be calm.

Managerial Warning: At the sixth stage of the Duration Time-Space, the CEO “lives in a state of perpetual hurry without ever attaining inner composure.” Under such conditions, he cannot create anything that might endure in time.

Managerial Advice: The Superior CEO is thorough in his analysis and patient in waiting for the end results. This thoroughness and patience enables him to successfully take over companies with lasting (duration) effects. He knows patience and an eye for detail are some of the key traits of a successful CEO. To lose his focus is to lose his job.

Investment Advice: Do not invest.

 

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