Confucius Analects – Leadership by example – 孔子论语 – 以身作则的领导

13.1 Quality of leaders affect quality of leadership

子曰、其身正、不令而行、其身不正、雖令不從。

The Master said, ‘When a prince’s personal conduct is correct, his government is effective without the issuing of orders. If his personal conduct is not correct, he may issue orders, but they will not be followed.’

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There is a Chinese saying “When the upper beam is not upright, the lower beams are usually slanted as well.” (上樑不正下樑歪).  Here Confucius explained that the most powerful attribute in leadership – by example.  When the leader is not showing a good example, it will be difficult for him/her to motivate or manage his/her followers.  On the other hand, when the leader in performing his/her roles brilliantly, the followers are naturally motivated.

This wisdom is applicable in all types of human relationship such as at workplace, at school, at home, etc.  Look around, find out leaders who motivate by their examples, learn from them, and follow them.

13.1 其身正、不令而行

子曰、其身正、不令而行、其身不正、雖令不從。

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古语有云：“上梁不正，下梁歪。”这里，孔子说明了作领导的重要法则 – 以身作则。当领导不能好好履行自己的职责时，他/她将很难推动他/她的下属。另一方面，当上面的人能出色地履行他们的角色时，追随者自然会受到鼓舞而好好的工作。

这智慧适用于不同种类的人际关系，如在工作场所，在学校，在家庭等。环顾四周，找出能以身作则而启发他人的领袖，学习他们，跟随他们。