How to Earn Respect and Loyalty as a Leader: Confucius

Ji Kangzi (1) asked, “How can we make the people respect and be loyal to (2) encourage (3)?” The Master said, “If you treat them with dignity, they will respect you; if you are filial and kind, they will be loyal to you; if you praise the good and teach the bad, they will be encouraged.”

[Notes]

(1) Ji Kangzi: Ji Sun’s name was Fei, Kang was his posthumous name. He was the prime minister of the Lu State during the reign of the Duke Ai, and was the most powerful person in politics at the time.

(2) Yi: a conjunction, the same as “and.”

(3) Quan: to encourage. Here it means to encourage oneself to work hard.

(4) Lin: to treat.

(5) Xiao Ci: one theory is that the ruler himself is filial and kind; another theory is that the ruler guides the people to be filial and kind. Here we adopt the latter.

Translation

Ji Kangzi asked, “How should one go about getting the people to respect and work hard for the ruler?” Confucius said, “If you treat the people with dignity, they will respect you. If you are filial to your parents and kind to your children, the people will be loyal to you. If you choose good people and educate those who are not capable, the people will encourage each other and work harder.”

Commentary

This chapter is still about how to govern. Confucius advocated “ruling by virtue” and “ruling by virtue and propriety,” which is not only for the common people, but also for those in power. Those in power should be dignified, serious, filial and kind, and the common people will respect, be loyal to and work hard for those in power.

Confucius emphasized the importance of treating people with dignity. This principle is rooted in the belief that respect is a two-way street. When leaders show genuine respect and consideration for their followers, it fosters a positive environment where mutual respect can flourish. This involves recognizing the intrinsic worth of every individual, listening actively to their concerns, and providing constructive feedback. In modern terms, this could be likened to emotional intelligence, where leaders are attuned to the feelings and perspectives of others.

Practical Applications:

Active Listening: Encourage open communication by genuinely listening to your team’s ideas and concerns.

Fair Treatment: Ensure all team members are treated equitably and their contributions are valued.

Constructive Feedback: Provide feedback that is aimed at growth and improvement, rather than criticism.

Being Filial and Kind

Confucius also highlighted the virtues of filial piety and kindness. In his view, leaders who demonstrate these qualities set a moral example for their followers. Being filial and kind involves showing care and respect within familial relationships, which extends to how leaders interact with their team members. This principle underscores the importance of leading by example and creating a culture of empathy and compassion.

Practical Applications:

Empathy: Show understanding and compassion towards your team members’ personal and professional challenges.

Supportive Environment: Foster a supportive workplace where kindness and mutual support are prioritized.

Role Modeling: Exhibit the behaviors you wish to see in your team, setting a standard for others to follow.

Praising the Good and Educating the Bad

The third principle Confucius mentioned is the importance of recognizing and rewarding good behavior while educating and guiding those who are less capable. This approach not only motivates individuals to strive for excellence but also ensures that everyone has the opportunity to improve and succeed. By praising good actions, leaders reinforce positive behavior, and by offering guidance to those who need it, they help build a stronger, more cohesive team.

Practical Applications:

Recognition Programs: Implement systems to acknowledge and reward outstanding performance.

Mentorship: Provide mentorship opportunities to help less experienced team members develop their skills.

Continuous Learning: Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement through training and development programs.