According to the 17th verse of the Tao Te Ching, there are four types of leaders. First, there is the type of leader that hardly anyone knows exist. Lao Tzu refers to this leader as "great," as very few people are able to perceive his/her presence. Second, Lao Tzu makes reference to the leader who the people love and praise. Perhaps, unlike the unnoticed leader, he/she makes it a point for the people to see the leader fully engaged and, as a result, the people may feel dependent on this type of leader. Third, reference is made to the type of leader that is feared by people. Unfortunately, this type of leader is more likely to use force and power as a means of subduing the public. Last, Lao Tzu discusses the leader who is despised and, eventually, defied. The verse elaborates on the fact that when leaders trust no one, no one will trust them.
On the other hand, the great leader is one who speaks very little. More specifically, when this great leader speaks, he or she never speaks carelessly. Even more, the great leader works without self-interest and, in addition, he/she does not leave traces of the work that has been done. Perhaps no traces are left so that when all is completed, the people will say, "We did it ourselves."
Peace and blessings!
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