Holding the Position

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Holding the Position

"Leading a large organisation is like cooking a small fish."

"If the Tao is present in the world, the cunning are not mysterious. Not only are the cunning not mysterious, their mystery does not harm others."

"Not only does their mystery not harm others, the Evolved also do not harm others. Since together they do no harm, the Power returns and accumulates."

In order to support the organisation in an uncertain atmosphere, a leader must emulate the Tao by "cooking a small fish" appropriately. Just as too much stirring will cause the delicate fish to fall apart, too much interference during a difficult period will unbalance the situation and one's place within it.

When there are no elegant, effortless solutions the best thing to do is allow the natural forces, the Tao, to evolve problems and point the way to their resolution.

Therefore, the first concern of evolved leaders is to cultivate the Tao in organisational affairs. Once the Tao is enlisted, through sensitive, observant non-interference - many things will become clear to everyone involved.

Those who would plan cunning strategies for personal gain become obvious and thus ineffective. Once the organisation needs no longer to fear internal manipulation, productivity will prevail. (60)

Leaders who insist on over-regulating the activities of those they lead have the inevitable effect of destabilising the organisation. People resent meddling and will react against it in different ways, seeking to either change their leaders behaviour or have the leader removed.

Published by: David Tuffley (January 2000) | Home Page