Lao Tzu Leadership Analysis

For instance, he says “If you want to be a great leader, you must learn how to follow.” (Lao-tzu 29). Instead, he focuses on introducing Tao- the path to live or the way to enlightenment. However, Tao cannot be translated in one meaning. It has different interpretations which depend on the use of the term. As he refers in his book, Tao is the ideal path to live our life and “Master” is the one that governs people without being felt existed. Lao-tzu pointed out that “[t]he Master leads by emptying people’s minds and filling their cores, by weakening their ambition and toughening their resolve.” (3) By saying this, he meant that people’s desires can negligent them from the real world and that is how the “Master” leads; by eliminating desires that make people steal and compete for power.

If you were to ask ten different respondents on what their definition of leadership is you are likely to get ten different responses. Gary Yukl defines leadership as “the process of influencing others to understand and agree about what needs to be done and how to do it, and the process of facilitating individual and collective efforts to accomplish shared objectives (Guerrero, 2013). I wholeheartedly agree with Yukl’s definition of leadership. A follower needs to understand why they are given the task, explained how to complete that task, and given the proper tools on how to succeed in

Government is the essential power of a country, which directly influences society because it provides somewhat of a security blank for those who are affected by it. Lao-Tzu’s, “Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching,” along with Niccolo Machiavelli’s, “The Qualities of the Prince,” both discuss multiple characteristics that a leader should possess to be a successful. While their goal is similar, in which they both describe what it takes to become a better leader, their ideas concerning leading are conflicting.

According to dictionary.com leadership is defined as, the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group: Its synonyms include guidance, influence, control, direction and supervision. These are all qualifications that are needed to be an effective leader. All characteristics are not necessarily needed at the same time and do no need to be used for each subordinate. This paper will identify my personal leadership philosophy along with theories to support my leadership style.

There are several leaders that I have admired in my career over the years. One in particular that stood out was a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force who I served under. He was a very intelligent and vibrant leader who placed importance in military customs and core values. He was one whom I emulated in the military because of his task –motivated leadership style. He focused on the goals of the organization with the emphasis on service before self. The implications of his style of leadership lead me to believe that there was little to no relationships formed with lower ranking airmen. He was always able to get the job done because of the driven culture he represented. I learned a wealth of knowledge and information from this particular leader; I was able to create a balance by embracing his style of leadership and relating it with my style, transformational leadership. I believe it was successful, because of my efforts to focus in on the mission and create a balance in inspiring, influencing, and motivating Airmen across the globe.

The leader behavior approach is the focus of what people do as a leader or leadership style rather than the characteristics leaders inherit as a leader. It is the assumption that the actions of a person opposed to their innate mental state. Because leaders can learn through teaching and observation; specific behaviors are the focus of a leader. An important study of this theory was conducted by the Ohio State University, and the purpose was to identify common leadership behaviors. The study and research uncovered that there are two linked groups of behavior.

Wherever there is a population of people, there is a community and a leader who is looked upon, in order for things to stay under control the leader is needed. What is the definition of being a leader, or say, a good leader? Among philosophers, Machiavelli was one who suggested guidelines to becoming a powerful prince from the experiences of Kings whom lived in the past. However, Lao Tzu suggested the opposite guidelines of becoming a great leader from the Tao. One of the major differences the philosophers had were their views on war.

In any place where people live, there is a community, and there is a leader of the community, and it is obvious that people have needed a leader to command them from the initial existence of the human beings. Therefore, people have endeavored to be a great, admired and efficient leader, and many educated people suggested how to be a good leader in each era. Then, what would be the best way to become a great leader? Among these educated people, Machiavelli was one who suggested the methods of becoming a powerful prince through many examples and the histories of Kings lived in the past. On the other hand, Lao Tzu suggested completely different methods of becoming a great leader based on the Tao. Three major differences of their suggestions were about war, fortune and mercy.

Participating in numerous sports and time spent serving in the military, I have experienced a few different types of leaders and leadership styles. The best leader I have worked for would be April Merriman a female Chief in the Navy who was just all out inspiring, honest, focus, engaged, empowering, fearless, self-aware, genuine, and most of all supportive. She always cared for every team member, but did not tolerate laziness, dishonesty, or unfair teamwork/treatment. Chief Merriman always was on time, properly prepared, and knowledge every time I worked with or around her. She was very dedicated to my personal growth and future

There are many indescribable qualities that make a leader. However, a leader can be interpreted differently. A leader must ensure the safety of his subjects, however, there are different ways in which to do so. The absence of admirable leadership leads to chaos and social unrest. Within Lao Tzu’s Thoughts from the Tao-Te-Ching and Machiavelli’s The Prince, there are similar ideas surrounding the definition of a leader. They ultimately explore their idea of what an optimal government would be like; more specifically, what an ideal leader is and how they can maintain social tranquility. Even though both authors contemplate what a leader is, both of their opinions differ, and it is most transparent through their stance of war and their

My definition of leadership is to possess the skills to provide transparent communication, the aptitude to ask for help and the emotional intelligence to have empathy for others. While I was in the Marine Corps, I got to experience how ineffective and problematic leadership that operates vertically. The type of leadership that I am accustomed too is more focused on the mission and has no problem expressing how easily replaceable you are to the organization. I believe that leadership should operate horizontally, focusing collectivism. I really resonated with John Chamber’s leadership style. He is a leader that realizes that each individual is vital to the success of the organization and he goes out of his way to ensure his followers know that.

American political government contained two large parties which control most of the Congress: the Democrat and Republic parties. Both parties have held different points of view on different topics such as health care. However an effective government is also based on a how a leader governs the country. Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher, and Niccolo Machiavelli, in The Prince, an Italian philosopher, present ideas that are very contradictory to each other. Lao Tzu appears liberal as a master who will not control the people while Machiavelli states a prince must emerge and take control of his people. Although both appear to be more contradictory, but they are appear more consentient than they are appear to be. Since these two

Two large studies found that two types of leader behaviors were important concepts in leadership skills. While the two separate studies used different terms, they can be thought of as concern for people and concern for tasks. The study at Ohio State University identified these two behaviors: Consideration relationship behaviors, such as respect and trust concern for people. Initiating Structure task behaviors, such as organizing, scheduling and seeing that work is completed concern for tasks. The study at the University of Michigan identified these two behaviors (Joyce, 2012).

Lao Tzu, the Father of Taoism, lived a large part of his life searching for an individual’s “path of natural goodness.” He is known for numerous inspirational quotes, such as “Be the Chief, but never the lord.” I became aware of this quote several years ago and it has been a source of encouragement throughout my Coast Guard career. The title of lord is inherited or given as a positional power granted by landowners. The Chief is chosen by the people to make the right decisions for their advantage. It is an earned position of trust. Based on my interpretation of Lao Tzu’s quote, my definition of leadership is to have others follow by choice not by mere power. A person cannot rule by force given to them by rank and expect

I believe that a good leader has other strong types of leaders around them. If a leader is to be successful they must first keep good hardworking, and trustworthy people around them. With that being said I see myself a mixture of Tao and Covey forms of leadership. These styles are very complementary of each other, both favoring community based leadership. The two parts of Tao leadership I think I want to embody better are appearing foolish and warrior, healer and Tao. For Covey the two things I want to continue to work on in my leadership style is seek first to understand, then be understood and think win/win. I think we are all too often caught up in society if we appear foolish we fear it will harm our leadership ability, the Tao shows that is not the case.