Estimate Others Based on Cultural Perceptions of Superiority at Your Risk

Thirteen hundred year old lines by Tang Dynasty poet Li Po (sometimes referred to as Li Bai) in his poem "The Man of the Marches" about the veterans of the of the Central Asian campaigns provide a valuable and timeless lesson. While the Asian=>Fench=>English translation provided in the book "The Empire of the Steppes" by Rene Grousset (Rutgers University Press, 1970) lacks the original folkish meter, the idea is resonant.

"Throughout his life the man of the marches never so much as opens a book, 
but he can hunt, he is skillful, strong, and bold. In autumn his horse is fat,
for the steppe grass suits it to perfection.  When he gallops, how superb 
and haughty is his mien! His sounding whip slashes the snow or jingles in its
gilded sheath.  Elated by strong wine, he calls his falcon and rides far afield.
His bow, bent with power, is never lossed in vain.  Men make way for him, his
valor and his warlike mood are well known in the Gobi."

Whether assessing your adversary, competitor, or your employees, consider they may have strengths, skills, or values you may not fully recognize. If these people are your employees or at least under your charge, you may need some of these traits to accomplish your mission or task.