Master Fushan Yuan said:
There are three essentials to leadership: humanity, clarity and courage. Humanly practicing the virtues of the Way promotes the influence of the teaching, pacifies those in both high and low positions, and delights those who pass by.
Someone with clarity, follows proper behavior and just duty, recognizes what is safe and what is dangerous, examines people to see whether they are wise or foolish, and distinguishes right and wrong.
The courageous see things through to their conclusion, settling them without doubt. They get rid of whatever is wrong or false. Humanity without clarity is like having a field but not plowing it. Clarity without courage is like having sprouts but not weeding. Courage without humanity is like knowing how to reap but not how to sow.
When all three of these are present, the community thrives. When one is lacking, the community deterioriates. When two are lacking the community is in peril, and when there is not one of three, the of way of leadership is in ruins.
letter to Master Jingyin Tai
In reflecting on this morning’s meditation, as administrators, the difficulty in our work is keeping the proper perspective with regard to our interactions with students, parents and staff. As a leader, which of these three do you find yourself struggling with and which come easy to you?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
sheryl torr-brown 09.04.07 at 11:56 pm
Hi Antonio,
This is your new friend from zaadz. How do you feel about authenticity as being a cornerstone to good leadership and a thriving community? I tend to think is it a core element along with the other three you mention in your blog. Authenticity to me is fascinating, as I know so many leaders who top out at a particular level because they lack this trait and have basically forgotten who they are. I’d be interested in your thoughts. You can reply to me at zaadz if you like. I love your website by the way,
Cheers
Sheryl
’spiral5′
Antonio 09.05.07 at 1:52 am
Sheryl,
Thanks for the kind words and great question! I will respond here as well as at zaadz.
Our world is filled with so many distractions that regardless of your role, job, leadership level remaining true to who you are is not an easy task. In my humble opinion, this becomes even more difficult, when as a leader, you lose sight of the purpose and mission of the work you do. What drives us? What compels us to do what we do? What is our motivation? Too often, we find the answer lies not in making a difference but rather in gaining power, esteem, recognition, wealth.
How then can we as leaders remain authentic and true to who we are? I believe it does come back to the words of Master Fushan Yuan. Without courage and clarity how can one truly become an authentic leader? Concern yourself less with what others might think about you and think for yourself. The right decisions will not always be the popular decisions. Have the courage to admit your mistakes and enjoy success by recognizing the contributions of those around you.
What do you think?
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