Verse 17 by Lao Zi: 太上，不知有之；其次，亲而誉之；其次，畏之；其次，侮之。信不足焉，有不信焉。悠兮，其贵言。功成事遂，百姓皆谓“我自然”
The highest rulers are scarcely known by their people.
Next come those they love and praise.
Next, those they fear.
And next, those they despise.
When trust is insufficient, there will be no trust.
Cautious and restrained, the sage values few words.
When the work is accomplished and affairs are fulfilled,
the people all say, ‘We did it naturally ourselves.’
[Written by ChatGPT]
Leadership That Disappears
In today’s world, leadership often equates to visibility: bold speeches, decisive announcements, strategic spotlights. But over 2,000 years ago, the Chinese philosopher Laozi proposed a radically different idea: The greatest leaders are the least known.
This idea, drawn from Chapter 17 of the Dao De Jing, suggests that true leadership isn’t about command or charisma. It’s about creating a system so strong, so trusting, and so attuned to its people that the leader’s presence fades into the background.
The best leaders don’t seek applause — they build environments where people thrive on their own.
The Four Tiers of Leadership
Laozi outlines four types of rulers:
- The highest – Those whose influence is so seamless, people hardly notice them.
- The beloved – Those who are praised and admired.
- The feared – Those who lead through authority or intimidation.
- The despised – Those who lose the people’s respect and provoke scorn.
In modern terms, think of these as:
- The servant leader who empowers.
- The popular leader who seeks approval.
- The authoritarian leader who demands obedience.
- The toxic leader who breeds dysfunction.
Only the first type creates sustainable, self-directed success.
Trust Is a Mirror
Laozi writes: “When trust is insufficient, there will be no trust.”
This circular truth reminds us that trust is not commanded — it is mirrored. If a leader does not trust their team, their team will never trust the leader. Micromanagement, excessive oversight, or paranoia all erode mutual confidence. Great leaders give space and autonomy, even when it feels risky.
The Power of Restraint
“The sage values few words.”
We often equate leadership with communication, but Laozi advises restraint. Wise leaders don’t speak to hear their own voice; they speak to serve clarity. When they do speak, their words carry weight. They are present without overwhelming, guiding without imposing.
Success Without Credit
The most profound line is saved for last:
“When the work is accomplished and affairs are fulfilled, the people all say, ‘We did it naturally ourselves.’”
This is the paradox of great leadership: to lead so well that others don’t feel led. Success is shared. The leader steps back. The people feel ownership, pride, and capability — not dependency. This kind of leadership creates more leaders, not more followers.
Leading the Laozi Way: Practical Applications
- Empower, don’t overshadow – Let your team take credit. Guide gently, then step back.
- Trust first – Assume competence and good intent. Let trust lead the relationship.
- Speak less, mean more – Communicate with clarity and calm. Choose presence over volume.
- Design for self-sufficiency – Build systems that function without your constant intervention.
- Be invisible by design – Aim to dissolve into the process, not dominate it.
Final Thoughts
In an era of personal branding, social media megaphones, and strongman politics, Laozi’s philosophy might seem out of step. But it’s precisely this quiet wisdom that resonates most deeply with the leaders we admire — those who elevate others, build resilient cultures, and leave lasting change without needing recognition.
The best leaders don’t stand at the front. They walk among us — and sometimes, they’ve already left the room.
太上，不知有之；
Tài shàng, bù zhī yǒu zhī;
The best leaders are scarcely known.
其次，亲而誉之；
Qí cì, qīn ér yù zhī;
Next come those they love and praise.
其次，畏之；
Qí cì, wèi zhī;
Then those they fear.
其次，侮之。
Qí cì, wǔ zhī.
And last, those they despise.
信不足焉，有不信焉。
Xìn bù zú yān, yǒu bù xìn yān.
When trust is insufficient, there will be no trust.
悠兮，其贵言。
Yōu xī, qí guì yán.
The sage is calm and values few words.
功成事遂，百姓皆谓“我自然”。
Gōng chéng shì suì, bǎi xìng jiē wèi “wǒ zì rán.”
When the work is done and the task complete, the people all say, “We did it naturally ourselves.”
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