There are four types of leaders:
The best leader is indistinguishable from the will of those who selected her.
The next leader enjoys the love and praise of the people.
The poor leader rules through coercion and fear.
And the worst leader is a tyrant despised by the multitudes who are the victims of his power.
What a world of differences among these leaders!
In the last two types, what is done is without sincerity or trust – only coercion.
In the second type, there is harmony between the leader and the people.
In the first type, whatever is done happens so naturally that no one presumes to take the credit.
Tao Te Ching Lao Tzu translation by Ralph Alan Dale VERSE 17
REFLECTION:
- Everyone is a leader… what kind of leader are you?
- Identify a person/people in a current leadership position. Which type of leader are they? What can you learn about leading from them… how to lead or how not to lead?