Leadership

My Translations and Understanding of the Tao according to Dr. Wayne Dyer

Living as an Enlightened Leader, Verse 17

With the greatest leader above them,
People barely know one exists.
Next comes one whom they love and praise.
Next comes one whom they fear.
Next comes one whom they despise and defy.

When a leader trusts no one,
No one trusts him

The great leader speaks little.
He never speaks carelessly.
He works without self-interest
And leaves no trace.
When all is finished, the people say,
“We did it ourselves.”


“Change how you see authority, which means viewing great or enlightened leaders as those who do not actually lead anyone!” Dr. Dyer goes on further to say examine the way you view your tactics and then make the changes that are necessary in order to be someone who makes an enlightening difference in the lives of others.

Truly inspiring leaders get results by their own example: they encourage others to be responsible and do the right thing (or as I often say, the best thing), but not by proclaiming and bragging about their unimpeachable management. They create SPACE for others to be inspired and to achieve their own greatness.

Question/Example to Provoke Thought:
Do you want your children to behave only when you’re around or do you want them to have the self-discipline to conduct themselves wisely whether or not your there?

As Dr Dyer states, the enlightened leader trusts those whom he or she is in a position to govern. So raise your children to be self-sufficient, to make their own decisions as soon as they’re able, and to feel pride in the decisions they do make.

The underlying message relates more to than just a parent raising a child, it extends to any position in which a person has leadership and/or influence over another. The key conclusion is…

Instead of believing that you know what’s best for others, trust that they know what’s best for themselves. Take pride in refusing to take credit for the achievements of others. Simply be there to serve, never demanding anything in return