"A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."

What does this mean?
What is the belief system?

The best leader leads quietly. His follower are hardly aware that they are following anyone's directions. They seem to be self-directing.

The marches yesterday are good examples of this kind of leader.

Thank You Soooo Much!!!

You're welcome.

But Ms. Sue, wouldn't a march be more like a public voice of opinion? How would it relate to "best leader leads quietly"?

The best leader leads by his/her enthusiasm. S/he inspires followers to be self-directing.

The quote you provided is attributed to Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher and writer. Let's break it down to understand its meaning.

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."

This quote suggests that an effective leader is one who works quietly and behind the scenes, allowing others to take credit for the accomplishment. The emphasis is on achieving the goal rather than seeking personal recognition or glory. It implies that a leader's success lies in empowering and inspiring others to become independent and self-reliant.

Now, regarding the belief system associated with this quote, it aligns with the philosophy of Taoism, which was developed by Lao Tzu himself. Taoism emphasizes the natural flow of life, simplicity, and the idea of "wu wei," which can be translated as "effortless action" or "non-action." This belief system encourages individuals to follow the path of least resistance, to work harmoniously with nature and others, rather than striving for control or dominance.

In the context of leadership, the belief system behind this quote suggests that a leader should focus on creating an environment where others can thrive and feel empowered. By doing so, the leader helps to unlock the potential of those around them and allows them to take ownership and responsibility for their actions, fostering a sense of accomplishment and shared success.