The Crisis Misconception

Nov 9

By Tim Violet
Director, Business Development, North America

The Chinese word for crisis, wēijī (危机), has two concepts wrapped into one!

The Chinese word for crisis, wēijī (危机), is often mischaracterized as combining the concepts of “danger” and “opportunity.” This interpretation is frequently repeated in business meetings, lectures, politics, and elsewhere. Many times, it is described as a lesson that we should view all danger as also presenting an opportunity.

A good thought.

But wēijī (危机) does not mean this.

It is a misconception resulting from an often-repeated story, popularized in part when John F. Kennedy used it in several speeches. And it continues to be repeated today.

Let's break down the two characters and their actual meanings.

危 (wēi) — Danger or precariousness
机 (jī) — A crucial moment or point when something begins or changes

The second character also appears in jīhuì (机会), the Chinese word for opportunity. But jī does not mean “opportunity” in this context.

So, while the familiar interpretation may sound appealing, it is not an accurate translation. It does not mean that danger and opportunity are the two parts of the word crisis.

Too narrow. Not demanding enough.

In actuality, the word suggests something more significant. When a crisis, a severe disruption, occurs, it can strip away the status quo and force a response, good or bad. A redirection toward something different.

Not necessarily a beneficial opportunity. It could be a retreat, a retrenchment, or a surrender. In other words, it presents a TURNING POINT…action required.

Subtle, for sure. But the danger arising from a crisis is not removed by, nor does it always present, an “opportunity.”

Instead, a crisis can force difficult choices because conditions have changed. Survival may require a strategic new direction forward. Things have changed, and the status quo may be gone forever.

Much more demanding than simply having an “opportunity” presented to you.

Disruption is happening throughout the technology world, especially in litigation management. Organizations are facing changing expectations, new capabilities, and decisions about how to move forward.

Two quotes worth considering:

“Don't stand by the water and long for fish; go home and weave a net.”
—Ancient Chinese proverb

“If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people.”
—Guan Zhong