Tao Leadership

Verse 17 begins a section of the Tao Te Ching that is focused largely on leadership. I think it's a friendly reminder for all who are privileged to be in a position of leadership.

When the Master governs, the people
are hardly aware that he exists.
Next best is a leader who is loved.
Next, one who is feared.
The worst is one who is despised.

If you don’t trust people,
you make them untrustworthy.

The Master speaks little.
He never speaks carelessly.
He works without self interest
and leaves no trace.
When the work is done,
the people say: “Amazing:
we did it, all by ourselves.