三人行,必有我师。Among three people walking together, there will always be one who can be my teacher.

The proverb "三人行,必有我师" (sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī) is attributed to Confucius, the renowned Chinese philosopher who lived from 551-479 BCE. It appears in "The Analects," a collection of Confucius' teachings compiled by his disciples after his death.?The English translation is "Among three people walking together, there will always be one who can be my teacher."

This saying encapsulates a fundamental Confucian principle of humility and continuous learning. It suggests that in any group, regardless of their status or background, there is always something to be learned. The wisdom lies in recognising that everyone has unique experiences and knowledge that can be valuable, even if they seem unlikely sources of insight.

In modern leadership contexts, this proverb remains highly relevant. Effective leaders understand the importance of learning from diverse perspectives and experiences. By embracing this mindset, leaders can foster innovation, build stronger teams, and adapt to rapidly changing environments. It encourages leaders to listen actively, value input from all levels of an organisation, and remain open to new ideas, regardless of their source.

However, it's crucial to pair this wisdom with another important Chinese proverb: "近朱者赤,近墨者黑" (jìn zhū zhě chì, jìn mò zhě hēi), which translates to "Those who touch vermilion become red; those who touch ink become black." This proverb emphasizes that people are influenced by those they associate with closely.

For leaders, this combination of proverbs underscores the importance of being discerning in choosing their associates and friends while remaining open to learning from a wide range of sources. While it's valuable to learn from everyone, leaders must also be aware of the potential negative influences that can come from close associations with those who lack integrity or have questionable values.

?Effective leadership requires a delicate balance: maintaining an open mind to learn from diverse sources while also being selective about one's inner circle. Leaders should seek to surround themselves with individuals who embody the values and qualities they aspire to, as these close relationships will inevitably shape their own character and decision-making processes.

?In essence, while the first proverb encourages openness to learning, the second reminds leaders of the power of influence. Together, they guide leaders to be both receptive to new ideas and cautious about the company they keep, ensuring they can learn widely while maintaining their integrity and vision.