The Pitfalls of Seeking Quick Gains in Leadership: Lessons from Confucius

Zixia was the magistrate of Ju Fu (1) and asked about government. The Master said, “Do not be eager to achieve results quickly, and do not seek small benefits. If you want to be quick, you won’t get there. If you see small benefits, you won’t accomplish great things.”

[Notes] (1) Ju Fu: Ju, pronounced jǔ. A city in the state of Lu, in the territory of modern-day Ju County, Shandong Province.

[Translation] Zixia was the governor of Ju Fu and asked Confucius how to run government affairs. Confucius said, ”Don’t be quick, and don’t be greedy for small benefits. If you are quick, you won’t get there. If you are greedy for small benefits, you won’t accomplish great things.”

[Analysis] “Haste makes waste” is a dialectical thought, that is, opposites can be transformed into each other. Confucius asked Zixia not to be eager for quick success and instant benefits in politics, otherwise he would not be able to achieve his goals; and not to be greedy for small benefits, otherwise he would not be able to accomplish great things.

In ancient China, Confucius, one of the most revered philosophers, provided timeless wisdom on governance and leadership. One notable piece of advice he offered was to avoid the pursuit of immediate benefits and rapid results. This guidance was conveyed through a conversation with his disciple, Zixia, who was serving as a chief administrator in the city of Ju.

Zixia approached Confucius with a question about how to effectively manage his responsibilities. In response, Confucius advised, “Do not seek to advance too quickly, and do not be tempted by minor gains. Quick progress often leads to failure, and focusing on small benefits prevents achieving significant goals.”

This advice reflects a profound understanding of governance and strategy. Confucius’ statement can be broken down into two main principles:

Avoiding the Rush: The phrase “欲速则不达” (yù sù zé bù dá), which translates to “seeking speed will not achieve success,” underscores the importance of patience in leadership. Rushing through decisions or actions may lead to incomplete or flawed outcomes. Effective governance requires thoughtful deliberation and a steady pace, ensuring that all aspects are carefully considered before moving forward.

Avoiding Small Gains: The second part of Confucius’ advice, “见小利则大事不成” (jiàn xiǎo lì zé dà shì bù chéng), meaning “focusing on small benefits will prevent achieving significant goals,” warns against the distraction of minor gains. Leaders who concentrate solely on immediate rewards or trivial advantages may lose sight of the broader objectives. To accomplish substantial achievements, one must look beyond short-term profits and focus on long-term success.

Confucius’ principles are not only relevant to historical Chinese governance but also offer valuable lessons for modern leadership. In today’s fast-paced world, where instant results are often pursued, the wisdom of taking a measured approach remains crucial. Leaders who prioritize patience and long-term goals over quick wins are more likely to achieve sustainable success and make a lasting impact.

By adhering to Confucius’ advice, modern leaders can cultivate a more effective and principled approach to their responsibilities, ensuring that their efforts lead to meaningful and enduring accomplishments.