While researching something else I stumbled on this in my files.
The only leadership lesson anyone will ever need.
Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
Tao Te Ching, chapter 9
(If you need a graduate course on true leadership, you might read the whole book. Here’s a collection of translations.)
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In