A leader is best when people barely know that he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worst when they despise him.
LT
Lao TzuTao Te Ching, Chapter 17, tr. Witter Bynner
About Lao Tzu
Ancient Chinese sage traditionally credited with writing the Tao Te Ching. (c. 6th century BC)
More from Lao Tzu
- A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.Tao Te Ching, Chapter 64
- Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33, tr. Stephen Mitchell
- He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.Tao Te Ching, Chapter 46
- To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.Tao Te Ching, Chapter 48
- He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know.Tao Te Ching, Chapter 56
- Governing a large country is like frying a small fish.Tao Te Ching, Chapter 60
More quotes on leadership
- Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.John C. Maxwell
- Everything rises and falls on leadership.John C. Maxwell
- Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to the result.Bob Proctor
- Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.Brené Brown
- People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it.Simon Sinek
- Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.Simon Sinek
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