Lao Tzu, Robert Greenleaf, Dr. Stephen Covey, Oliver Bulfango, and I - on Leadership!

Special thanks to Oliver Bulfango for letting me post this thread.

Status Update: Oliver Bulfango “To lead people, walk beside them... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate... When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves!'” ~Lao Tzu
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Zak K. at 8:07am June 11
And what is your take on this saying?

Marc R. Enriquez at 8:18am June 11
Lao Tzu was one of Robert Greenleaf's inspirations for what he coined "Servant Leadership" and is the basis for the British Army Officer Motto "Serve to Lead"

He references this passage by Lao Tzu from the Tao Te Ching:

The greatest leader forgets himself
And attends to the development of others.
Good leaders support excellent workers.
Great leaders support the bottom ten percent.
Great leaders know that
The diamond in the rough
Is always found “in the rough.”

Oliver Bulfango at 10:46am June 11
Well said Marc. I've read this that passage before. Now you're making me want to look for my book. ;p

Zak: A true leader does not lead for fame or for the sake of commanding. This leader should be among the people, of which is believed to be his/her peers, and work with them towards achieving the goal while teaching them in any way possible. The Marine Corps teaches, lead by example. Never ask anyone to do something that you wouldn't do yourself. So, in sum, when the leader and the society is complete with the goal, it was not the leader who completed it him/herself, it was everyone together.

In sum, a leader should lead with the people and not just "the people" with the leader's own self-interest. This is what makes a true leader. in my opinion.

Marc R. Enriquez at 11:14am June 11
This has provoked another thought... If you're familiar with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Dr. Covey talks about the second habit, "Begin With The End In Mind" as the habit of Leadership... summarily, one should ensure that all actions he takes are in line with one's intended goal to be effective.

Really, this is more the concept of Personal Leadership, which one must master before they can lead others...

But when you tie in Lao Tzu, I imagine someone leading a group on an arduous journey up a mountain... but in keeping "the end in mind" he's not at the front... he's the one pushing the stragglers along.