What is Tao? Tao is not a thing. Tao is how. It is how things work in the Universe. It is a single principle underlying all things and creation. Tao is not a thing. Tao cannot be defined. If it can be defined, it is not Tao. So what are some of the underlying principles of Tao that govern Leadership?
Polarities – All behaviors consist of opposites. Any overdetermined behavior will inadvertently create polarities. A person who strives to become the most beautiful will automatically become ugly. Similarly, if a person tries hard to be kind, he ends up being selfish. In leadership too, a leader knows that over-intervention will block the possibilities of achievement and performance. Instead, he chooses the middle path. By being centered and open to all possibilities, he elevates the chances of people coming out of their own shells and striving for better. Leadership is not about lecturing others on what to do. Instead, leadership is about doing the work and embodying the qualities that ultimately speak for themselves. The wise leader does not seek a lot of money or a lot of praise. After all, there is plenty of both.
Being Oneself – We have heard a lot about being authentic. What is it? A wise leader does not make a show of holiness or display grades of performance. This will automatically create a climate of success and failure. Instead, he is truly respectful toward all behaviors of people. This opens possibilities for people to explore more approaches to behavior, become relaxed and peaceful because they are not being judged, and begin speaking from their center rather than merely speaking to please the leader or the client. This kind of climate can only be created when the leader is open and respectful toward all kinds of human behavior. In fact, this is how innovation and creativity arise among people. They learn that true action arises out of silence. This creates a sense of peace. It also helps them understand that it is more important to be productive than merely being busy.
Equal Treatment – Natural law is blind. Its justice is even-handed. The same principle underlying all creation also underlies leadership. Here, the leader is aware of all people. No person is more worthy or less worthy than another. Favoritism is never a part of authentic leadership. A wise leader will never create a climate of gossip in the organization. He will never talk of competing theories of human performance. Knowing this, the leader does not try to be special. Silence is a great strength.
Can you learn to be open and receptive? Have you ever seen a valley and a pond? Have you felt a moment of silence where there are no desires, fears, or a need to do something? This is called Yin, or the feminine energy of Tao, that is open and receptive. When you go to the valley and remain centered, without feeling the need to rush or push, free from desires and fears, the pond in the valley automatically stops stirring. All the dirt settles to the bottom, and you see your reflection in the pond. The valley and the pond are within you. They emerge when you are open and receptive to all things.
The Power of Selflessness – Heaven and Earth endure all things. They exist not only for themselves but on behalf of all creation. In the same way, when you keep your ego-centricity in check and think about everybody’s well-being rather than only your own, you become a more effective leader. Being truly selfless enhances the power of the self.