Pooling collective wisdom can better ensure success, or "Ji Si Guang Yi" as manifested in a Chinese idiom, reminding people to humbly listen to others' advice before they make major decisions.
The idea was first proposed by Zhuge Liang, a renowned military strategist during the Three Kingdom Period (220-280). "One who holds office should pool the ideas and wisdom of the people and extensively draw on all well-intended and useful views," wrote Zhuge Liang in his article, "Instructions to Subjects and Officials."
Today, the expression has evolved into an effective way to improve working efficiency and show respect for the opinions of the masses.
All the opinions and ideas collected from others can give the decision maker a more comprehensive picture of the current situation and help him or her make a correct decision.
Listening humbly to others' opinions, especially those which differ from one's own, can help one harness the initiative, wisdom and power of the masses. The method has been adopted by the Chinese people in their decision-making in daily life to secure success.