Why Leaders Thrive: The Ancient Chinese Secret to Success
When Confucius spoke of the lack of virtue of the Duke of Wei, Kang Zi said, “If it is like this, why is he not dead?” Confucius said, “Zhong Shu Yu (1) manages the guests, Zhu Tu manages the ancestral temple, and Wang Sun Jia manages the army. If it is like this, why is he not dead?”
[Notes] (1) Zhong Shu Yu: Yu, pronounced ｙǔ, was the son of Kong Wen Zi. He and Zhu Tu and Wang Sun Jia, mentioned later, were all great ministers of the State of Wei.
[Translation] When Confucius spoke of the tyranny of the Duke of Wei, Ji Kang Zi said, “If that is the case, why didn’t he perish?” Confucius said, “Because he had Zhong Shu Yu to receive guests, Zhu Tu to manage the ancestral temple sacrifices, and Wang Sun Jia to lead the army. How could he have fallen?
Confucius remarked on the lack of virtue of Wei Linggong, the Duke of Wei, known for his ineptitude and disregard for moral governance. Ji Kangzi, puzzled by the Duke’s continued reign, asked, “Given his lack of virtue, why hasn’t his rule collapsed?”
Confucius responded with profound insight: “Because he has competent ministers. Zhong Shuyu manages the reception of guests, Zhu Tuo oversees the ancestral temples, and Wangsun Jia commands the military. With such capable individuals handling critical affairs, how could his rule fail?”
This exchange highlights a critical concept in leadership and governance: the importance of a skilled and dedicated team. Even when a leader lacks certain qualities, the collective strength and expertise of their team can sustain and even enhance their rule. Let’s explore the modern implications of this ancient wisdom and how it can be applied to today’s leadership challenges.
The Power of a Competent Team
The essence of Confucius’s lesson lies in the power of delegation and the strategic placement of skilled individuals in key positions. In modern terms, this can be equated to building a robust leadership team that complements the leader’s strengths and mitigates their weaknesses.
Delegation and Trust: Effective leaders understand the importance of delegation. By entrusting capable team members with significant responsibilities, leaders can focus on broader strategic goals. Trusting one’s team not only empowers individuals but also fosters a collaborative and productive environment.
Specialization and Expertise: Just as Zhong Shuyu, Zhu Tuo, and Wangsun Jia were experts in their respective domains, modern organizations thrive when they have specialists leading critical functions. Whether it’s a CFO handling finances, a CTO managing technology, or a COO overseeing operations, having experts ensures that each aspect of the organization is well-managed.
Crisis Management: In times of crisis, a competent team can be the difference between success and failure. Leaders who cultivate a team of skilled and adaptable professionals are better equipped to navigate challenges and steer the organization toward stability and growth.
Sustained Success: The longevity of a leader’s success is often tied to the strength of their team. A well-rounded team provides continuity, innovation, and resilience, ensuring that the organization can withstand external pressures and internal changes.
Lessons for Modern Leaders
Drawing from Confucius’s teachings, modern leaders can adopt several practices to build and maintain a strong team:
Identify and Develop Talent: Recognize the strengths of your team members and provide opportunities for them to develop their skills further. Invest in training and professional development to cultivate a pool of capable leaders within your organization.
Foster a Collaborative Culture: Encourage open communication and collaboration across all levels of your organization. A culture that values diverse perspectives and teamwork will naturally produce innovative solutions and a strong sense of community.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate the values and behaviors you wish to see in your team. Integrity, dedication, and respect for others will inspire your team to embody these qualities in their work.
Adapt and Evolve: Stay attuned to the changing landscape of your industry and be willing to adapt your strategies. A team that is encouraged to think creatively and embrace change will be more resilient and capable of driving long-term success.