The Wisdom of Water
Be water. Water does not compete for the first place; it seeks continuous flow.
In fact, the wisdom of water embodies the essence of leadership.
The Wisdom of Leadership
Everyone can be water. Everyone can be a leader– and should be, at least for themselves, especially in challenging times. Leadership revolves around inspiration, which can spread widely.
In Lao Tzu’s philosophy, he emphasizes his three treasures:
“I have three treasures
Which I hold and cherish,
The first is known as compassion,
The second is known as frugality,
The third is known as not daring to take the lead in the empire;” 1
Some people interpret Lao Tzu’s third treasure as “being cowardly”, or “lacking courage”. However, we need to understand Lao Tzu within context.
In chapter XVII of his book “Tao Te Ching“, he describes what the ideal leader looks like in his eyes. He believes that the best leader serves as “a shadowy presence” to the people. The desired outcome unfolds like this: “When his task is accomplished and his work done, the people all say, ‘it happened to us naturally.'” 2
Thus, what Lao Tzu states that “he dares not to take the lead in the empire”, he actually means he refuses to impose his personal will on his citizens. Instead, he empowers his people, fostering the personal freedom of his people, and inspiring them to reach their destination, with an invisible hand.
Here, I use the term “invisible hand” borrowed from the free market, but it also illustrates Lao Tzu’s philosophy of leadership.
So what is the destination? Well, like water flowing into the ocean, the destination represents abundance — calm, deep, and limitless — although water may take various forms to reach it, flowing from a river, pool, creek, canal, etc.; depending on the personal circumstances.
Sources:
- Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (Penguin Group, 1st ed, 1963, translated by D.C.LAU)
- Ibid.