As indicated in my post of August 21, I am delivering on this site a very short course on the classics of literature on leadership. (See the post for how I define “classic.”)
The course will draw on my edited volume, Leadership: Essential Selections on Power, Authority, and Influence (McGraw-Hill, 2010). Here I can provide only short bursts of texts. Perhaps they will prompt you to dig deeper.
We begin today at the beginning, with Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu.
Approximately 2,500 years ago he wrote – or reputedly wrote – the foundational text of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching. The text is mystical and philosophical, spiritual and psychological. It is moreover not easy to decipher, to understand. Still two things are evident. First, Lao Tzu’s interest in leaders – in how people do govern. Second, his interest in followers – in how people should be governed.
Here two excerpts from two “chapters.” For our purpose “sage” should be read as “leader.”
- From Chapter Seven:
The sage stays behind; thus, he is ahead.
He is detached, thus at one with all.
Through selfless action he attains fulfillment.
- From Chapter Nine:
Better stop short than fill to the brim….
Amass a store of gold and jade, and no one can protect it.
Retire when the work is done. This is the way of heaven.