Lao Tzu Leadership Influences

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

Leadership is, and always has been, a vital aspect of social and economic constructs. It is essential to the survival of societies, industries, organizations, and virtually any group of individuals that come together for a common purpose. However, leadership is difficult to define in a single, definitive sense. As such, theories of leadership, what constitutes a great leader, and how leaders are made have evolved constantly throughout history, and still continue to change today in hopes of improving upon our understanding of leadership, its importance, and how it can be most effective in modern organizational cultures.

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.

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.

Leadership is something that people are born with. It is an inherent charm and it doesn’t hide even if you want to hide it. There is a leader amongst us and he or she is the one that leads other people to great things by inspiring and motivating people to do good deeds. Leadership has been described as “a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. This way a leader can decide what work goes in and goes out. Good leaders in history have left a mark in walks of life. But great leaders, they’re different. Great leaders have the ability to make each and every individual re-think their life decisions and choices by

A good modern day leader should be able to be honest, well-rounded, confident in his work, well committed, and be able to protect his country and responsibilities throughout any trials thrown his way. In modern day society a good leader would be Lao-Tzu. He uses beliefs and tactics that are civil for today’s society. As for comparing two great leaders from a time so far back, I would have to pick Machiavelli as a great leader. The way the writers present them in the book is almost opposite in every aspect. Lao-Tzu has a laissez-faire approach on things, while Machiavelli is the opposite and is ready for war.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, leadership is the power or ability to lead other people, the act or instance of leading. I believe that Leadership is an art, the art to get others to follow and accomplish a common goal or task in a harmonic manner. A leader can be shown in all kinds of shapes and forms. To be a great leader many people believe it consists of modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart. Over the course of me learning how to become a better leader and being in leadership roles, I’ve learned that all these are very necessary to be a great leader.

To become a powerful prince, he suggested following and living by the Tao. In one sense, “Tao” means “the way" which is referring to not only the appropriate way to behave, but also the way to lead others. Lao-Tzu does not try to control his people. Instead, he trusts in them and does not talk; he acts. As a result, he is known as a well-rounded, loved leader.

My idea of leadership is being able to inspire others, motivate, set a vision, communicate, respect others, and of course, lead by example. A leader must have an honest understanding of who they are, what they know, and what they are capable of. To be a successful leader, you have to be able to convince your followers, not just yourself or your superiors, that you are worthy of being followed. In my opinion, this can build confidence in their followers to have faith in you, in order to be able to lead. I strongly believe that good leaders are made rather, and not born. If you have the desire and willpower, you can become an effective leader. Good leaders are developed through a never ending process of self-study, education, training, and

“The highest people teach the lowest, and learn from them as well.” – Tao Te Ching: Tao, 27. In her novel, The Tao of Personal Leadership, Diane Dreher takes the reader on a journey from a very different perspective of modern leadership. Applying ancient Taoist philosophies and principles to modern examples of well-known leaders and leadership practices creates an insightful, refreshing take on leadership in our Western culture.

This translates to me that I should lead by example which for one acts as a deterrent. I must communicate effectively with my subordinates by clearly establishing the standards and informing them of my expectations. At the same time expressing to them that I will support them in every way I can. Moreover, I will hold them accountable by applying discipline consistently. It is mentioned that demonstrating that you are willing to hold subordinate accountable is crucial because prevention is only effective when subordinates are convinced that you are observing them and you are willing to correct and reward their

Leadership is a term on which no one can develop a mutual consensus as it carries a different meaning for ach individual. Some people may consider a person as their leader who is capable of taking them away from hardships, some people may consider the one as their leader who is quite charismatic and can show them dreams of a bright future or some people may consider that man as a leader who can make them progress by devising wise strategies for them etc. There is, somehow, something very common in all the perspectives that are the philosophy behind the definition, which is related to choosing a best of the best person as their leader. Nobody wants to have a person as his leader who doesn’t have knowledge of the needs and aspirations of his