Accomplished Quote by Laozi
“The best leaders are those their 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 ... The best leaders value their words, and use them sparingly. When they have accomplished their task, the people say, "Amazing! We did it, all by ourselves!”
About This Quote
Source Book: Tao Te Ching, c. 400 BC
The most effective leaders are unseen, followed by beloved ones, then feared, while despised leaders are the worst; true leadership values sparing words and empowers people to claim success themselves.
In simple terms: Best leaders are unseen, empower others.
Key Takeaway
Lead quietly, empower others.
Themes
leadership
humility
empowerment
recognition
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- team projects
- community building
- political movements
Key Concepts
Taoism
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you demonstrate leadership without seeking attention?
- When should a leader be visible?
A Different Perspective
Quiet leadership may be mistaken for lack of action.
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)
