Lao Tzu's Best Leadership Types

"A leader is best when people barely know he/she exists. When his/her work is done, his/her aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves". - Lao Tzu

In this article I'd like to talk about one of my favourite leadership quotes, belonging to the great Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu.

According to Lao Tzu's philosophy, the highest two forms of leadership fall into two categories, the invisible leader, which Lao Tzu classifies as the highest level of leadership, if the change sticks and the source becomes unknown or at worst the praised leader, when people acknowledge the leader for their efforts (second best type of leadership as outlined by Lao Tzu). An ego-less leader will use the power of intrinsic motivation to lead people and create sustainable change. It relinquishes control, allows individuals to take ownership and control over the things that need to be done, and at the same time continues to provide support in the background. When credit is due, the leader allows the individuals to take credit over the achievements. At best the leader continues to be the "invisible leader" and at worst "the praised and honoured leader".

What is wonderful about Lao Tzu's top two leadership types "the Invisible Leader" and "The Praised Leader"

Instilling Positive Influence in Followers

The beauty of a leader without authority is that when people do listen to what they say, it is out of personal will, it is from personal commitment, not compliance, it is from the heart not an obligation.

The followers are positively influenced and exhibit commitment to the vision bestowed upon by the leader, and often completely in line with the followers. Synergy exists.

Freedom and Wellbeing Within the Leader

If the leader's primary objective is positive change and the end result is the primary goal, rather than recognition and praise, then the leader will find the most effective way to create sustained change. This could be planting ideas in the minds of people who then take ownership of those ideas. The leader aims to an epidemic of change where the source may be hard to pin-point, while the effect is vast. This leader may fall into two categories, the invisible leader, which Lao Tzu classifies as the highest level of leadership, if the change sticks and the source becomes unknown or at worst the praised leader, when people acknowledge the leader for their efforts (second best type of leadership as outlined by Lao Tzu). An ego-less leader will use the power of intrinsic motivation to lead people and create sustainable change. It relinquishes control, allows individuals to take ownership and control over the things that need to be done, and at the same time continues to support in the background. When credit is due, the leader allows the individuals to take credit over the achievements. At best the leader continues to be the "invisible leader" and at worst "the praised and honoured leader".