Create Timeless Output.

Quality lasts the test of time.

Creativity lasts the test of time.

And when you mix them together you have something really special. Add in some wisdom about the Human condition and you are getting into WOW and timeless territory.

Shakespeare. Monty Python or even The Beatles had of them all in buckets – they will last the test of time and become timeless. One piece of work that has truly lasted the test of time is The Tao by Lao Tzu. It has Creative thinking, Quality and Wisdom all wrapped up in 81 verses.

Unfortunately, it’s not very ‘accessible’ and takes a bit of interpretation. It’s a big barrier to entry.

…and let’s be honest, we don’t normally communicate in the form of cryptic verse these days, well not in business anyway!

Perhaps we should be a bit more adventurous in our styles of writing..…When I next ask for an update on our Windows 11 roll out, maybe I should ask for it in the form of rhyming couplets?....Umm, then again perhaps not!? (Of course if you did want to report in Rhyming Couplets just ask ChatGPT)

However, I digress so back to the Tao. Each verse talks about different aspects of life tht all fit together to form the Tao or the Way. It’s a tour de force of Quality, Creativity and Wisdom.

Here is one of my favourite verses. Verse 17 of the Tao – It’s all about communication, trust and empowered output.

The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist. The next best is a leader who is loved and praised. Next comes the one who is feared. The worst one is the leader that is despised.

If you don’t trust the people, they will become untrustworthy.

The best leaders value their words, and use them sparingly. When they have accomplished their tasks, the people say, “Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!”

?

Business Leadership: The best leaders are those whose presence is hardly felt. They lead by empowering others, enabling a sense of ownership and trust within their teams.

When leaders trust their teams and provide them with the space to perform their tasks, it builds a culture of respect and open communication.

This subtle, almost invisible guidance allows the organisation to function smoothly and effectively.

Lao Tzu is giving a great shout out for the Coaching Approach from 2,500 years ago.

?

People Management: In managing people, the most effective managers are those who listen more than they speak. By visibly valuing input from all team members and creating an environment where everyone is heard, managers can build trust and loyalty. How many times have a sat in meeting where people struggle to get a word in edgeways I dread to mention. Speaking over people is a subtle form of disrespect. Not listening can be interpreted that you don’t care about their opinions. It’s hardly ever wrong to have the courage to shut up and listen.

You learn very little new when you are speaking.

Creativity: For creativity to flourish, a leader must create a space where team members feel safe to share their ideas without fear of judgment or ridicule. When everyone feels that their contributions are valued and have the freedom to experiment, innovation and great thinking thrives. Back to trust and open communication again, with them diverse perspectives and thinking is allowed which lead to creative solutions and new ideas.

?

The Verse in Detail: Verse 17 of the Tao Te Ching reminds us that the best leadership is unobtrusive and creates a space where people can achieve things on their own.

1. Invisible Leadership: Listening and understanding more than directing and dictating. Guide without overshadowing them. Wisdom to know when to talk and when to listen.
2. Building Trust: When we all communicate openly and transparently, we build trust. This trust leads to a team approach where everyone is willing to share their new thoughts and amazing ideas. With trust conflicts become debates and debates lead to better decisions. Trust improves creative thinking because it is usually the 2nd or 3rd ideas that are the best.
3. Empowerment Through Communication: Leaders who practice open communication empower their teams by involving them in the decision-making process. This empowerment over inputs that affect you and the process you apply means the outputs and outcomes are yours to own and be proud of. This is your quality.

?

Excellent Quality & Creativity & Wisdom = Output that will stand the test of time.

It’s worth putting the time in to get a timeless result out.

PS - I wonder what Lao Tzu would think of AI / ChatGPT?...perhaps I'll ask it!