The Tao of Leadership

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkmDfUca85Q&feature=related

The Chinese word Tao is usually translated as "way", "path" or "principle", although

this usage takes its meaning from "reality" or "nature", which the word Tao can also

mean. The proper path in life, says Taoism, is one that works in harmony with reality,

the essence of the natural universe.

The Tao leaders

Are wise as the ages.Their depth cannot be sounded,Yet we can describe their actions;Mindful, as if crossing an icy stream;Focus, as in the midst of danger;Respectful, as if an honoured guest;Fluid, as melting ice;Honest, as an uncarved block of wood;Open, as a yeilding valley;Blending, as if earth and water.

Tao, 15

The TAO symbols

The Yin of leadership (feminine side)

Zanshin –The spirit (the character)

Centring, presence and process (creativity, focused)

Timing (Smart goals)

Respect

The empty space (physical and spiritual)

Rejoice (the power of attitude)

The yang of leadership (The masculine side)

Building community

Vision, empowerment and growth

Communication

Conflict resolution

Transcending ego

Creating harmony

According to Lao Tzu,

“The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist.The next best is a leader who is loved and praised.

Next comes the one who is feared.The worst one is the leader that is despised.

If you don't trust the people,they will become untrustworthy.

The best leaders value their words, and use them sparingly.When she has accomplished her task,

the people say, "Amazing:we did it, all by ourselves!" (17)

The Effective Tao Leader

• “I have heard my master say that nurturing life is like keeping a flock of sheep,” says Chuang Tzu in his book. “You lash the last sheep, and the rest will move.”

• The leadership style is effective and effortless.• It is so different from bulldozing. It is Tao leadership.• You hold a whip in your hand, but you are kind to the flock.

You lash only when it is absolutely necessary, and only on the last sheep – one that makes the whole flock move.

• Instead of pushing, you work on the nature of the flock. Although the flock is totally under your control, it follows without knowing that you exist.

• The challenge, of course, is on knowing where the last sheep is.

1. Clarity of mind

• To know the last sheep, you’ll need to do the following:

Effective tao leadership requires clarity of mind. If you are not sure about where you want to go, rather than leading, you are confusing your people.

2. Simplicity

• Clarity of mind begets simplicity. As a Tao leader, you cut off the noises, make a clear decision, and the people follow.

• “To manage people and serve the heaven,There is no better rule than to be sparing.Being sparing, one follows the Way.Following the Way brings an abundance of Virtue.With the abundance of Virtue, one is ever victorious.”(59)

3. Balance & Yinyang

• As a good leader, you are remarkably resilient. Like water, you are able to regain your balance in no time, even during turmoil.

As Lao Tzu puts it,•

”Good trek leaves no trace,Good speech makes no slip,Good calculation needs not counters,Good door use no bolts, yet it cannot be openedGood bond uses neither cord nor knot, yet it cannot be untied” (27)

Tao leader is like WATER. She is powerful. She inspires. People listen to her, even when she is silent. This is because she commands not by authority and tyranny, but by mobilizing energy in her people. Her leadership is so subtle, her people does not know that she exists.

4. Stoop LowRivers and seas are more powerful than streams, but they would not have been powerful without the water from streams. To receive water from streams, however, rivers and seas stoop low. Leaders with Tao leadership are like rivers and seas. They derive their power from the people, and to do so, they are ready to stoop low.

This is Tao of leadership. Like Lao Tzu says,

”How do rivers and seas become kings of a hundred streams?It takes a lower position;hence, it is king of a hundred streams.Therefore, when The Sage is over the peoplehe puts himself below the people by speech.When he leads the people,he puts himself behind the people as a person.”(66)

5. Letting go

When you are sure you have done the necessary or what you can, stand back. Do not interfere. Let the people do their works; and nature takes its course.

• As Laotzu puts it, a good leader leads as if not leading,

•”Tao never strives,Yet through it things are done.Man of power adhering to it,All things develop of their own accord.” (37)

With the best of leaders,

When the work is done,

The project completed,

The people will say

“We did it ourselves”.