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About this quote

What does it mean?
To lead people, walk behind them.
In plain terms
Effective leadership involves supporting from behind.
What can you take from it?
Empower others by stepping back.

Where it applies

  • team management
  • coaching

Putting it to work

  • listen more
  • facilitate autonomy

Questions to consider

  • When should a leader take the front?
  • How do you know when to step back?

Another view

Some situations require visible, directive leadership.

More from Lao Tzu

  1. The true free living human-being is the one that achieves his dream without depending on someone.

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  2. To see things in the seed, that is genius.

    Permalink to quote #29
  3. I am not at all interested in immortality, only in the taste of tea.

    Permalink to quote #26

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