From myth to reality: Applying ‘Journey to the West’ to modern workplaces

None of us is as smart as all of us.

Have you ever watched the “Journey to the West” movie or drama series? It is one of the classical Chinese fables, depicting the epic pilgrimage of a Buddhist monk and his three disciples: the legendary monkey god Sun Wukong, the mischievous Pigsy (Zhu Bajie), and Sandy (Sha Wujing). Along their journeys, they encounter monsters and various challenges, overcoming them with their cleverness and teamwork.

On the surface, it’s a tale about mythical creatures traveling a long distance. However, I find it to be a fascinating reflection of our daily lives, whether within our families or among colleagues at work. Each character represents different values, and the diverse personalities depicted in the story speak to many aspects of human nature that we often encounter in real life.

In a workplace, you might find that some of your peers resemble Sun Wukong, the “Achiever”. These individuals consistently exceed expectations and drive the team toward its goals. They are the dynamic forces within the company. Then, there are colleagues who bring humour and light-heartedness to the workplace, much like Pigsy (Zhu Bajie). Their sense of humour is essential for maintaining a positive atmosphere. On the other hand, some people are more like Sandy (Sha Wujing), who prefer to quietly do their job, clock in and out on time, and focus solely on their tasks.

Consider this: which role do you play in your team?

Recently, I was discussing the story with a group of friends and how it reflects our lives. Interestingly, many believe that the most valuable person a company should have and keep is Sun Wukong, given his power, resourcefulness, and ability to help his master overcome obstacles while protecting his team members.

This is indeed a unique perspective. As our discussion progressed, it revealed more about understanding human character, which is why the conversation extended into the late night.

Imagine having only Sun Wukongs on the team or a majority of Sha Wujing-like personalities. It could be disastrous. A team of only Sun Wukongs might lead to intense competition and conflict, while a team of only Sandys (Sha Wujings) might lack direction and drive.

Hence, diversity is essential for a thriving team. It is important to recognise that every personality and unique trait contributes to the group’s overall success, which underscores the crucial role that a leader plays. With the right balance of diverse individuals in the team, what seems impossible can become possible.

Therefore, as a group leader, it is important to strike a balance between fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that all team members are treated equitably while fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Any unfair treatment or action taken can lead to conflict within the team, unhappiness, and reduced productivity.

So, how do you achieve this? Many people would say that team members need to understand the leadership style of their leaders, but I personally believe it is a two-way street.

Yes, team members need to understand their leaders’ styles, but at the same time, leaders must get to know their team members well. For example, a quiet Sandy (Sha Wujing) might not be keen to socialise and network with people, unlike Pigsy (Zhu Bajie). Hence, understanding your team members’ personalities — whether they are Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), or Compliance (C) — is crucial.

This will be another interesting topic that I’ll delve into in my next column, so stay tuned for that!

Ultimately, the lesson that stands out from the “Journey to the West” story is that different traits can achieve great things when people work together, whether you are a Sun Wukong, Pigsy (Zhu Bajie), or Sandy (Sha Wujing). So, stay true to yourself because your unique value is irreplaceable. And remember, don’t belittle anyone on the team because they are also part of the foundation and pillars of the team.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.