Harnessing Ancient Wisdom: How Confucius, Mencius and Laozi Equip Leaders for Today's VUCA World
Eric Saint-Andre
Empowering Individuals, Teams and Organisations to Innovate and Become Highly Adaptable to Change | From 0 to 1 Expert | Trainer | Facilitator | Coach | Advisor | Mentor |
Unless you have been living under a rock, you must have noticed how everything is accelerating nowadays?! The world is as volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) as it gets. Change is the only constant. And this is overwhelming right?
Recently, I was looking towards ancient wisdom from three Chinese philosophers: Confucius, Mencius, and Laozi. It struck me that such ancient wisdom can help leaders navigate this turbulence. Each of these philosophers offer unique insights that can fortify modern leadership skills, of which I have extracted some practical ways for you to get started.
Embodying empathy
?? Confucius: The importance of "Ren" (仁) or benevolence is central to Confucius' teachings. As leaders, we are reminded to nurture an attitude of empathy, compassion, and respect towards our teams.?
He wisely stated:
"Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?"
Apply this by creating an inclusive culture, listen actively, and show genuine concern for your team's wellbeing.?
Encouraging growth
?? Mencius: Mencius stressed the 'potential goodness in humans', believing that leaders can bring out the best in their people. His teachings prompt us to cultivate our team's potential and encourage growth.?
As Mencius once said,
领英推荐
"The great man is he who does not lose his child's heart."
Leadership application? Foster a safe environment for curiosity and creativity to thrive, and consequently as your team flourishes, it will unlock innovative problem-solving strategies.?
Delegating trust
?? Laozi: The father of Taoism / Daoism, Laozi emphasized "wu-wei" or "effortless action". His wisdom speaks to modern leaders about the art of "letting go". Instead of focusing on seeking control, leaders can benefit when they trust in their leadership and in turn trust their team and their capabilities in the long run.?
He teaches us,
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists...when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."
Guide, delegate effectively and faithfully trust in your team's skills.
By embodying empathy (Confucius), encouraging growth (Mencius), and delegating trust (Laozi), we not only overcome turbulence but create a foundation for sustainable success.
新加坡家庭退休与整体遗产及传承规划
1 年Wonderful! Leibniz too was troubled by endless wars in Europe and looked far and wide for accord. ??APPENDICES ??????How Confucian philosophy on ??happiness differs from Western notion 24 Sept 2022 ?? https://lnkd.in/gu_szjz4 ????????????????????????????????(Part 1 of 3) The Way of Harmony and Strategy: Exploring the Relevance of Confucius Thinking in Asian Societies and International Relations Jayme Callado ?? https://lnkd.in/g2jEt9x6 ??????Today, as ????America and ????China are searching for Accord, can we learn anything from the book ??Leibniz and Confucianism: The Search for Accord By Mungello, D. E., Issued 1977 ?? https://lnkd.in/gTjGb_9R
Innovation. Insights. Thoughtful Design
1 年Always good to read your thoughts Eric! Hope you are doing well