The Tao of Leadership

Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching Adapted for a New Age (1985) by John Heider 

Lao-Tzu’s Tao Te Ching (Dow Duh Jing) is one of China’s best loved books of wisdom which  

translated means the Book (Ching) of How (Tao) Things Happen or Work (Te) 

I came across this leadership book in a used bookstore in North Carolina in 2016. It was a time when I was neither here nor there.  It felt as if “tectonic shifts” were occurring in my life that were completely out of my control. While I strongly felt the changes were divine intervention, I did not know why. As I browsed the bookshelves on a solo vacation looking for some answers, this book stood out on the shelves. Years later I still refer to the simple and concise wisdom within. I find this book has been a great resource on my reference shelf. The Tao of Leadership has eighty-one short sections, each on a different theme related to how to govern or educate others in accordance with natural law which is defined as “how things happen”. 

Also of interesting note is that the author, in the introduction, states if we read this book outloud, the concepts become clearer.  Here, I offer you three (of the 81) nuggets of wisdom from the Tao of Leadership to inspire our growth.  I encourage you to read the quotations outloud, as Heider recommends.  

8. Water 

“The Wise Leader is like Water”. This simple statement encompasses the many qualities that water and leadership share such as; being fluid, responsive, serving all without judgement and finding harmonious paths.  Heider breaks this down with simple examples and a powerful reminder that “the leader works in any setting without complaint, with any person or issue that comes on the floor; the leader acts so that all will benefit and serves well regardless of the rate of pay…”  

As we strive to lead like water, this does not mean we are weaker. We all know how powerful water can be in response to harsh conditions or through consistent flow over time.  Water can split rocks if frozen in cracks, it can polish stones and erode all manner of solid earth over time.   

As I coach my clients to lead like water, I encourage them to study the many characteristics of water and see how we can use these as a reminder for ourselves of what we are capable of in any given moment and also over time. 

68. Opportunities 

Growth is a sign of a healthy group.  Growth with partnerships and teams happens when there are mutually beneficial opportunities.   Heider explains “The greatest administrators do not achieve production through constraints and limitations. Good leadership consists of motivating people to their highest levels by offering them opportunities, not obligations. That is how things happen naturally. Life is an opportunity, not an obligation.” 

In my career, the most successful partnerships have come from approaching the effort as creating opportunities rather than contractual obligations. 

54. The Ripple Effect 

Most individuals I’ve worked with desire to have a positive influence on the world. I also strive to have a positive influence.  This probably describes you as well.  We want to help others. We want to feel as though we are making a positive impact.  This desire can sometimes fuel efforts to influence others around us to act in certain ways through control methods.    The Ripple Effect describes the effect you can have on others by focusing on getting your own life in order and Heider reminds us here of an important fact which is that “all growth spreads outward from a fertile and potent nucleus. You are the nucleus.”  

Each time I pull this book from my bookshelf, the simple wisdoms help me refocus my perspective which increases the impact of my efforts. And these needs vary depending on my current challenges.  The Tao of Leadership by John Heider, much like the work it is based on, stands the test of time.