Leadership Behavior In Lao Tzu

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.

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

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.

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.

The Sailor who embodies leadership in all ways and I try to emulate is Master Chief Logistics Specialists Diego. He is a leader and an example even when nobody is looking. He holds all his Sailors accountable, regardless of paygrade and will not do what is popular, but he does what is right. There is no one that I respect more than him in our Naval Service. His devotion to duty the Navy and to his

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

As I reflect back, I have seen my definition in my mentors and supervisors. A short list of the mentors I revered include: CWO4 Kenneth Hawko, MSTCM Judd Reno, Commander John Humpage, CWO4 William Thomas, and BMC Mike Hunt. Their leadership seemed to naturally be in their personalities but I now realize it was so prominent because I saw them as my leaders. Those traits are what made me choose to follow them.