Management tips from 26 centuries ago: Simplicity-Lit

In the 6th Century B.C., Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, which explored balance and perspective, serenity and contemplation, simplicity and sanity, and living in accord with the Tao, the basic principle of the Universe.

Among the many lessons in this short book is this powerful chapter on managing people:

When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised.

If you don't trust the people, you make them untrustworthy.

The Master doesn't talk, he acts. When his work is done, the people say, "Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!" 

 - Tao Te Ching, by Lao-tzu - Translation by Stephen Mitchell, Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 1988.

.