3
raven
pecking through the dusty grass
the first raindrop falls
Lesson # 3
Guard your gold closely
and someone will
steal it from you.
Beam out your light
and the rest of us
are covered in shadows.
There is no hope,
except to give it all away.
Lead by giving people
what they truly need,
and not what you think they need.
Better yet, dare to do nothing
and trust.
From: 81 Lessons from the Tao Te Ching
Number Three: Leadership
When you overvalue greatness
people feel powerless
When you overvalue possessions
people want to steal or own them
So keep your treasures and desires out of sight
That way you do not inspire others to act selfishly
Rule by starving your own greed
and instead give your people what they actually need
not what you need and not what you imagine that they need
Rule by rewarding patient perseverance rather than unhealthy competition
Rule through unselfish unattached wisdom
This will create confusion in the minds of experts who have all the answers
Let go of the need to control everything
Rule by doing nothing and everything will work out
NUMBER THREE
Exalt not men, so that the people may not fight.
Prize not rare objects, so that the people may not steal.
Look not on desirable things, so that the people’s hearts be not troubled.
That is why the self-controlled man governs by stilling the emotions,
by quieting thought, by mastering the will, by increasing strength.
He always teaches the people to know the Inner Life, to desire the Inner Life.
He teaches the Masters of knowledge to cease from activity,
to act through activity of the Inner Life; then Inner Life will govern all.
Isabella Mears, The Tao Teh King, A Tentative Translation from the Chinese, William McLellan, Glascow, 1916.
Number Three (commentary) What is the best way to lead?
Lao Tsu promoted Wu Wei, a way of taking action without incurring the usual consequences of taking action. Most solutions create unintended consequences, and many good deeds do not go unpunished.
But, when our actions are in accordance with the natural laws of the unfolding universe and do not interfere with that unfolding, then they will do no further harm.
Harm can come in unexpected ways. Lao Tsu reminds us that others are watching what you do and who you are. Be aware of (and take responsibility for) the impact of your actions on others, especially the impacts you did not intend to make.
When you overly praise the talented or accomplished, you can inflate the narcissism of the one you praise and, at the same time, create a sense of inferiority and powerlessness in others.
“He loves Taylor Swift. I’ll never be as good as Taylor Swift. I might as well give up.”
When you flaunt your possession, you inspire others to be hungry to own them.
“Here is my Instagram photo of last night dinner at that four start restaurant!”
When you exalt your lifestyle, others compare themselves to you and can feel empty and depressed.
“Picture of me at the airport, leaving tonight for Bali!!! See you later!”
Lead yourself and others with simplicity and inspiration. Master your own selfish desires and then lead from a clear desire to serve.
Trust in the proper unfolding of the universe and let go of the need to control everything.
Then all will be well.
Tangent and Tool #3, Seeing unintended consequences: (Reflective exercise) The need to overcontrol and to maintain a self-centered focus on the ego have both contributed to the world’s mess. It seems impossible to take on the maxim, “Let go of the need to control everything.” Take an hour and go on any social media source and reflect on the unintended impact of the posts you read. Are they inadvertently or purposefully conveying the message, “Look at me, I am so special!” or “I have more than others have.” or, “Other people are wrong and I am right.” What else are they saying? Now look at some of your recent posts.