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If you want to be a great leader,
you must learn to follow the Tao.
Stop trying to control.
Let go of fixed plans and concepts,
and the world will govern itself.
The more prohibitions you have,
the less virtuous people will be.
The more weapons you have,
the less secure people will be.
The more subsidies you have,
the less self-reliant people will be.
Therefore the Master says:
I let go of the law,
and people become honest.
I let go of economics,
and people become prosperous.
I let go of religion,
and people become serene.
I let go of all desire for the common good,
and the good becomes common as grass.
57
Tao Te Ching, a New English Version, copyright ©️ 1988 by Stephen Mitchell, published by HarperCollins. All rights reserved.
It’s evident that leadership and control are linked in our minds. Steve Jobs was famous for his brutal perfectionism. Military leaders depend on a chain of command which guarantees control over lower-ranking officers. And my favorite example: J K Simmons in the film Whiplash tormenting his Jazz ensemble to get the sound he wants.
However, insisting on the relationship between leadership and control is lazy. It’s like claiming to know about astronomy after watching a 15-minute youtube video on black holes.
The fire of an idea can start with the leader, an orchestra director surely has a sound he wants to achieve, but a great leader is willing to put his vision aside and remain open for something better. The moment you bring other people along for the ride, that fire ceases to be yours. Playing dictator and meddling with the details will surely spoil what was almost ripe. Let your ensemble breathe: give them space, trust, and freedom and the rest will take care of itself.
Quote of the Week
“It isn't necessary that you leave home. Sit at your desk and listen. Don't even listen, just wait. Don't wait, be still and alone. The whole world will offer itself to you.”
― Franz Kafka
Song Picks of the Week (Official TTT Playlist here)
Fou - L’Impératrice (Indie)
IZ-US - Aphex Twin (Chill, this one is a classic from an authentic musical revolutionary)
Prelude No.4 in E minor - Chopin (Ultra-chill)
Thank you very much for reading! I have, of course, fallen short in explaining the complexity (or simplicity) of leadership without control. So I’d be happy to hear where you find trouble with this concept or any questions you might have. Just reply to this email.
Also In case you missed it, I wrote a blog post some months back where I dive deeper into Unintrusive Leadership. Check it out here.
Until next Tuesday.
Daniel