The Tao in Leaders

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The Tao in Leaders

"The Tao is the refuge of all things, the treasure of the good, the protector of the not good."

"Honour can be bought with fine words; others can be joined with fine conduct. So, if some are not good, why waste them?"

"In this way the Emperor is established; the three officials are installed. And although the large jade disc is preceded by a team of horses, this is not as good as sitting, advancing in the Tao."

"Why did those of old treasure the Tao? Did they not say, 'seek and it is attained, possess faults and they are released'? Thus it is the treasure of the world."

In organisations, the leader's role is to help all members to find their place and direct them together into progress and fulfilment. Even though some people may be insufficient or unrefined, Lao Tzu asks 'Why waste them?' An enlightened leader makes certain to provide for the education of everyone in the organisation. In this way, all members become integrated with the organisation and the leader's position is esta blished.

To maintain that position, the enlightened leader does not put emphasis on the material advantages and outwardly grand appearance of leadership, for these will only serve to separate the world of the leader from the world of those they lead. The people's needs cannot be met by such a leader.

Instead, the enlightened leader looks within him or herself to sense the direction of social evolution (the Tao). In this way, they guide the people on the appropriate path and make no mistakes. (62)

The principle outlined in this passage is as fresh today as it was 3000 years ago. It could have come from one of the many ‘how to be a better manager’ books found in any bookstore. It says, don’t place yourself above your employees, they’ll resent you for it because they instinctively know that under the skin, the manager is just like everyone else.

It advocates leadership of the people for the people. The result is a more harmonious organisation.

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