|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There can be no doubt that the ancient author of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu, was a man of unique wisdom whose writings continue to influence people of different backgrounds and faiths.
Many leaders then and now get wrapped up in selfish ambition. They would do well to listen to what Lao-Tzu had to say on the subject of leadership.
There are several English translations of the Tao Te Ching available on-line. The following selections are from a translation by C. Ganson.
Leaders Work Humbly
Leaders should not seek power or status; people will not then crave power or status. If scarce goods are not valued highly, people will have no need to steal them. If there is nothing available to arouse passion, people will remain content and satisfied.
The truly wise do lead by instilling humility and open-mindedness, by providing for fair livelihoods, by discouraging personal ambition, by strengthening the bone-structure of the people.
The wise avoid evil and radical reform; thus the foolish do not obstruct them. They work serenely, with inner quiet.
In my involvement in scouting, I have certainly observed humble leadership. Although some of us enjoy getting up in front of people and receiving occasional recognition for our efforts, there are many more people who prefer simply to stay in the background. Without such people, most scout units would not survive.
Unfortunately, humbleness is perhaps a little less common in the business world. Corporate managers should definitely take notice.
Also, I think it is good advice for leaders to avoid radical reform. This is especially true in an organization where the leadership tends to change fairly quickly. This is certainly true in Cub Scouts where the leadership tends to change whenever a new set of boys graduate into Boy Scouts and their parents move on too.
When new leaders take over, it is tempting to want to make radical changes to try to rectify past problems. However, this may create unexpected tension with other leaders who may not share the vision of the new people.
I have seen this situation in scouting and in my corporate experience as well. A new manager who immediately begins making changes before having established a raport with his/her employees will not garner a lot of respect.
The Best Leader
The best leaders, the people do not notice. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate.
If you have no faith, people will have no faith in you, and you must resort to oaths.
When the best leader's work is done the people say: "We did it ourselves!"
Good leaders don't try to do it all themselves. They delegate. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to get enough people who are willing to take on responsibilities of a leadership position, especially in volunteer organizations.
However, it is much easier to get people to agree to help with small things. There are many people who are willing to help, but just don't want a long term committment. Official leaders should not overlook the contribution that such people can make.
Furthermore, good leaders don't try to take all the credit. Imagine if a scout leader took all the credit for everything their boy scouts or girl scouts did. It would be unthinkable! Although we may guide and assist them along in their activities and achievements, we want them to always proudly proclaim "We did it ourselves!"
So, why do some managers seem to want to take all the credit in the business world? Employees who have a strong sense of accomplishment will certainly be happier and more productive. As a result, the organization will thrive and so will the manager.
The author, Greg Bonney, is the owner of Bonney Information and E-Commerce and founder of Scoutcamping.com (http://www.scoutcamping.com).
Copyright © 2005 Bonney Information and E-Commerce.
Wind Chimes and more... The first time I meet a leader to decide if... Read More "Click It" Into Gear!Ever wonder how two people can be... Read More There can be no doubt that the ancient author of... Read More "Dissatisfaction and discouragement are not caused by the absence of... Read More Quality leadership is a positive asset that is needed in... Read More The hologram is a three-dimensional photograph made on a flat... Read More What exactly is Charisma? Most would agree that it is... Read More "Sooth 't were a pleasant life to lead, With nothing... Read More "Trust is the emotional glue that binds followers and... Read More SEE INTO THE FUTURE CREATIVELY AND PRACTICALITY: Planning day-to-day is... Read More History teaches that when people needed to do great things,... Read More There is a common phrase that says: "You can't teach... Read More 1. The West Point Way of Leadership.GREAT book by a... Read More A tight knit team is a group of competent individuals... Read More Looking around in most corporate environments today you'll find mission,... Read More Have you ever considered that everything you want in life... Read More A good strong example of a family leader would be... Read More It was a time of turmoil. In November 1979, supporters... Read More To excel in business we need conscious command of all... Read More In Part One, I described the importance of establishing deep,... Read More Before we can effectively lead anyone, we must take an... Read More Side conversations ruin meetings by destroying focus and fragmenting participation.Approach... Read More "The miracle power that elevates the few is to be... Read More The airline, Jet Blue, has been featured in many magazines... Read More Many potential leaders in business sabotage themselves and their organizations... Read More
Windchimes
for great gifts!
In Leadership, Good Enough Is Pretty Bad
Leaders Click It? Into Gear!
The Tao of Leadership
Leadership - L.P.B It!
Leadership Skill Training
The Leadership Talk As A Living Hologram
Real Charisma, Clinton Style
Communication Skills & Leadership - Organizational Communications Processes in Leadership Activity
Trust - The Most Vital Component in Leadership
Effective Leaders are (#1) Conceptual
In Leadership, Identifying Dreams That Lead To Great Results
Leadership, Self-Development, and the Committment to Growth
Chris Top 7 Favorite Leadership Books
Building Teams and Teamwork
The Sink Or Swim Approach To Leadership
The Synergy Effect
Father Knows Best
Miraculous Leadership
What Does Exceptional Business Success Require of Us?
The Defining Moment: The Straw That Stirs The Drink Of Motivational Leadership (Part Two)
To Be An Effective Leader, Do A Check-up From The Neck Up
Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 2, Multiple Conversations
Awaken the Leader in You: 10 Easy Steps To Develop Your Leadership Skills
Leadership and The Dirty Work
Career Advice for Business Leaders: Empowering Others
Smart leaders understand that they don't "make" a change happen.... Read More
If you gather 100 experienced leaders together to share with... Read More
1. The West Point Way of Leadership.GREAT book by a... Read More
A tight knit team is a group of competent individuals... Read More
In most aspects of human activity, the pendulum of fashion... Read More
When is hate OK? When it's the feeling you have... Read More
In Part One, I described the laws of motivation. In... Read More
"Trust is the emotional glue that binds followers and... Read More
Webster's Dictionary describes a "partner" as an ally or an... Read More
There are many reasons why someone would decline to participate... Read More
LISTEN, WRITE, AND ARTICULATE EFFECTIVELY: Leadership positions require effective communication... Read More
"Sooth 't were a pleasant life to lead, With nothing... Read More
What is true Leadership.Is leadership something we are born with... Read More
SEE INTO THE FUTURE CREATIVELY AND PRACTICALITY: Planning day-to-day is... Read More
We watch the star athlete calmly make the final shot,... Read More
Chances are if you're interested in this post, you're looking... Read More
Complaining. There's room for legitimate complaining, but if you let... Read More
The Leadership ChallengeLeaders in today's society are faced with an... Read More
Purpose: Learn immediately if you are fostering leadership or ignoring... Read More
The Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness talks with Dennis... Read More
I am fascinated by problems. I like to think of... Read More
Doesn't make too much sense does it? Am I really... Read More
How does one go about getting deep results? There are... Read More
Women should not be afraid of or feel guilty about... Read More
Great leadership is timeless, always in vogue. The world has... Read More
Leadership |