The Tao Challenge for Leadership Todayy
Lao Tzu’s classic work challenges us to influence others though our example, using nature as our pattern – balancing the extremes in the world instead of causing them.
Lao Tzu believed that the ideal way to direct events was to use methods that do not create resistance or elicit counter-reactions. In observing the laws of nature, he realised that excessive force in a particular direction tends to trigger the growth of an opposing force, and that therefore the use of force cannot be the basis for establishing a strong and lasting social foundation.
It remains essential for leaders to always observe of the laws of nature – in short, to develop a sophisticated understanding of the ways that matter and energy function in the universe. He called this Tao. He realised that the physical laws of the universe directly affect the ways that individuals behave and societies evolve, and that to comprehend these laws could give a leader the power (Te) to bring harmony to the world.
The Tao Te Ching is a challenge. It challenges us to see the world as it actually is by accepting the stark truth of the interdependent physical laws that control existence and evolution. It challenges us to discover intellectual independence – a mindful state in which we have complete trust in our own perceptions of the world and can rely fully on the appropriateness of our own inspirations and instincts.
It challenges us to find the courage to reject force, and instead, to influence
others though our example, using nature as our pattern – balancing the extremes in the world instead of causing them. This final challenge is perhaps more vital today than ever before, both for ourselves and for our leaden.
Lao Tzu put it this way:
Evolved Individuals hold to the Tao,
And regard the world as their Pattern.
They do not display themselves;
Therefore they are illuminated”
They do not define themselves;
Therefore they are distinguished.
They do not make claims;
Therefore they are credited.
They do not boast;
Therefore they advance.
Have you connected to your Te today?