LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION FROM TAO TE CHING
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For the past few weeks we have been focused on leadership. This week we will look at the concept of "enlightened leadership."
This comes from the Tao Te Ching, which are 81 verses penned by Lao-Tzu over 2,500 years ago. The beliefs and writings of Lao-Tzu are referred as Taoism. Here is the 17th verse entitled "Elightened Leadership."
"With the greatest leader above them,
People barely know one exists.
Next comes one whom they love and praise.
Next comes one whom they fear.
Next comes one whom they despise and defy.
When a leader trusts no one,
No one trusts him.
The great leader speaks little.
He never speaks carelessly.
He works without self-interest
And leaves no trace
When all is finished, the people say,
We did it ourselves."
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EXERCISE
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This week I invite you to reread and contemplate on this verse. Do any particular words stand out for you? Is there anything in this verse that speaks to you as a leader? Observe yourself this week and observe leaders with whom you come in contact.
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" Instead of believing that you know what's best for others, trust that they know what's best for themselves."
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Interpreting the wisdom of the master Lao-tzu
who penned the 81 verses called the Tao Te Ching
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