Saturday, January 3, 2009

Lao Tzu on Leaders

There are four types of leaders:

The best leader is indistinguishable

From the will of those who selected her.

The next best leader enjoys the love

And praise of the people.

The poor leader rules through coercion and fear.

And the worst leader is a tyrant despised

By the multitude who are the victims of his power.

 

What a world of difference among these leaders!

In the last two types, what is done

Is without sincerity or trust—only coercion.

In the second type, there is a harmony

Between the leader and the people

In the first type, whatever is done happens

So naturally no one presumes to take credit.

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