Institutional Mindset: Always Think in Terms of Process

In the TV series *Yongzheng Dynasty*, Emperor Kangxi says he’s going hunting in Rehe, and all the princes are to accompany him. But hunting is just a single phrase—so who relays the order?

Zhang Tingyu relays it.

Which departments does Zhang Tingyu send it to? One department is responsible for the budget—how much will it cost? Another is responsible for auditing—what was actually spent, and how will expenses be reimbursed later? One handles procurement, one oversees execution, one arranges rest stops along the way, one ensures security, and one scouts ahead to prepare Rehe’s reception arrangements.

For each of these tasks, there are three key elements:

What is the authority? What are the performance reviews? What are the responsibilities?

Authority means the resources you can mobilize. Performance reviews are evaluations of your work. Responsibilities mean rewards for merit and penalties for faults.

Anything that can’t move forward through proper channels is what truly tests your ability to get things done.