What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tao of Leadership: Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching Adapted for a New Age by John Heider
The Tao of Leadership is an invaluable tool for anyone in a position of leadership. This book provides the most simple and clear advice on how to be the very best kind of be faithful, trust the process, pay attention, and inspire others to become their own leaders. Heider's book is a blend of practical insight and profound wisdom, offering inspiration and advice.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
223 people are currently reading
2248 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
November 18, 2016
This was an over simplified version of Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching. Personally, I didn't like it.
March 26, 2021
A friend of mine recommended this book when I was asking for books on leadership - a complex situation had come up at work and I was particularly interested in anti-racist leadership books, with some relevance to the Australian university context. (I have been reading lots of Ask-A-Manager type blogs and articles online, and it's often hard translating out of the US context because hiring and firing work so - to say the least - differently there.)
Anyway, "this is none of those things," said my friend, "but read it anyway." So I got it on my Kindle, and opened it up. The first chapter just sounded like hippy nonsense, but I kept going and... I could feel myself changing as I read it. It's written in a way that deliberately frustrated my desire for clear frameworks, principles and techniques - it's basically the opposite of Ask A Manager with its scripts for specific situations - but at the same time, and because of that, it also provoked me to reflect on my desire to have clarity and techniques which will guarantee a GOOD OUTCOME, and how that desire itself is often the thing that blocks process... and therefore blocks a good outcome.
I do believe that good leadership is about enabling the people you lead to flourish in their own ways, and creating a space which makes that happen, so I was sympathetic to the basic notion of this book. But I still found it really challenging to read, because although I believe in that form of leadership, I do also have a strong tendency to fall into a pattern of reacting like: I know what is best to do in any given situation and if people are not doing it, it is either because they are BAD people, or because they just haven't listened to me explaining why their way of doing things is not correct. Most books enable me to identify just with that first part of myself and kind of nod along, like 'Yes, I can imagine myself doing this thing! I can imagine it working! I can imagine the applause from a grateful populace when I get it right!' But reading this made me more in touch with the bits of me that block that process, in part through my frustration with what I was reading.
It reminded me of Derrida a lot, actually (and I don't think I'm the first person to make a connection between Taoism and deconstruction), because of the way it refuses to rush to solutions. I think I am going to buy a paper copy (the illustrations don't come across brilliantly on my non-backlit Kindle) and read bits through the days, to slow myself down and remind myself to let group processes unfold as they will.
Anyway, "this is none of those things," said my friend, "but read it anyway." So I got it on my Kindle, and opened it up. The first chapter just sounded like hippy nonsense, but I kept going and... I could feel myself changing as I read it. It's written in a way that deliberately frustrated my desire for clear frameworks, principles and techniques - it's basically the opposite of Ask A Manager with its scripts for specific situations - but at the same time, and because of that, it also provoked me to reflect on my desire to have clarity and techniques which will guarantee a GOOD OUTCOME, and how that desire itself is often the thing that blocks process... and therefore blocks a good outcome.
I do believe that good leadership is about enabling the people you lead to flourish in their own ways, and creating a space which makes that happen, so I was sympathetic to the basic notion of this book. But I still found it really challenging to read, because although I believe in that form of leadership, I do also have a strong tendency to fall into a pattern of reacting like: I know what is best to do in any given situation and if people are not doing it, it is either because they are BAD people, or because they just haven't listened to me explaining why their way of doing things is not correct. Most books enable me to identify just with that first part of myself and kind of nod along, like 'Yes, I can imagine myself doing this thing! I can imagine it working! I can imagine the applause from a grateful populace when I get it right!' But reading this made me more in touch with the bits of me that block that process, in part through my frustration with what I was reading.
It reminded me of Derrida a lot, actually (and I don't think I'm the first person to make a connection between Taoism and deconstruction), because of the way it refuses to rush to solutions. I think I am going to buy a paper copy (the illustrations don't come across brilliantly on my non-backlit Kindle) and read bits through the days, to slow myself down and remind myself to let group processes unfold as they will.
May 22, 2023
this book has brought me so much peace. anytime i feel overwhelmed at life or at work, i just read a few pages and felt myself understanding more and feeling less explosive. reccomend this for anyone looking to elevate their work ethic, or understand more about fulfillment in life.
April 22, 2023
Each page is a gem. I will be revisiting passages for a long time to come and utilizing this book in my work team meetings. Relevant to those in leadership positions but also for anyone with jobs working with people and navigating those dynamics.
Read
August 9, 2011I enjoyed this read from the standpoint of the elements of the original Tao te Ching. I've long been ambivalent, though, about the idea of turning these ancient texts into some sort of fly-by-night total adherence to the modern "corporate slug" mentality that was all the rage back in the 90's and even before.
Having said that, the sort of organization that would employ these timeless Truths would be an organization that goes beyond the usual "sluggery", into one both enlightened and empowered at every level.
I was also happy to discover one of the stanza's I used to have printed and posted at my (then) office. The metaphor of young trees and old dead trees, connected to the soft and weak overcoming the hard and stiff...the idea that flexibility and openness trumps and overcomes the dogmatic...western idealized?...mindset of closed-mindedness and fear. Fantastic to rediscover that old gem.
An all right book, but not spectacular. Many truths infuse it's pages.
Having said that, the sort of organization that would employ these timeless Truths would be an organization that goes beyond the usual "sluggery", into one both enlightened and empowered at every level.
I was also happy to discover one of the stanza's I used to have printed and posted at my (then) office. The metaphor of young trees and old dead trees, connected to the soft and weak overcoming the hard and stiff...the idea that flexibility and openness trumps and overcomes the dogmatic...western idealized?...mindset of closed-mindedness and fear. Fantastic to rediscover that old gem.
An all right book, but not spectacular. Many truths infuse it's pages.
November 12, 2017
There's a lot of preachy stuff in here -- Heider recommends traditional religion along with the spiritual practice of Buddhism, belief in God and selling your computer in favor of pencil and paper. I haven't read Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, but I'm very interested in it now to see how it compares with Heider's sometimes heavy handed, sometimes condescending, moralistic interpretation.
The book is set up with a black and white drawing on the left side, and a short passage on the right side, so the book is half as long as the page numbers.
There are some very good guidelines for leaders here -- essentially it boils down to this:
- Pay attention to what is going on
- Be receptive to others
- Work to make those in your group successful
- Let the group dynamics play out - they eventually will, no need to force things
I've quoted a lot of passages which should be accessible to you on my book activity - I may update this review later to add some of those observations.
The book is set up with a black and white drawing on the left side, and a short passage on the right side, so the book is half as long as the page numbers.
There are some very good guidelines for leaders here -- essentially it boils down to this:
- Pay attention to what is going on
- Be receptive to others
- Work to make those in your group successful
- Let the group dynamics play out - they eventually will, no need to force things
I've quoted a lot of passages which should be accessible to you on my book activity - I may update this review later to add some of those observations.
November 2, 2021
An interesting and at times soothing read, bite size interpretations of the tao that are nicely contemplated in the early morning hours over a hot beverage on the deck.
November 20, 2021
El culto al líder ha sido tema ¨atractor¨ desde hace décadas como si de tips o técnicas se tratase, en este caso el intento de adaptar una filosofía oriental en preceptos occidentalizados que van más allá de la figura del líder… sino de quien decide transformar y transformarse en primera persona considerando factores no se suelen tener en cuenta en una sociedad súper competitiva.
Un libro con capítulos cortos y precisos que invita a leerlo en un buen ritmo y aplicar sus mensajes y enseñanzas de forma amena en nuestra vida.
Un libro con capítulos cortos y precisos que invita a leerlo en un buen ritmo y aplicar sus mensajes y enseñanzas de forma amena en nuestra vida.
August 7, 2017
I dove into this because I wanted to see how John Heider's book from 2005 adapted Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching" for what it billed as a "new age." It was a quick read, 161 pages, something you could pick up, put down and come back to again. The book is divided into 81 lessons, no more than 200 to 250 words long under such headings as "success," "spiritual awareness" and "opportunities."
I can see how companies like IBM and Prudential and other Fortune 500 companies used this as a leadership training text. I imagine that it could prompt some conversations in an otherwise mundane training session.
So, I dug into it for work to see what I could find for the university president I write for. You know, gems to sprinkle into your copy that give a different view of wisdom for students, parents, whoever to digest. And you know, I liked it in a kinda-shrug-of-the-shoulders, nod-of-the-head kind of way. Ask me if I'd recommend it, and I'd say, "Yeah." It made me think in a simple, yet profound way. And for me, those are the best books.
I can see how companies like IBM and Prudential and other Fortune 500 companies used this as a leadership training text. I imagine that it could prompt some conversations in an otherwise mundane training session.
So, I dug into it for work to see what I could find for the university president I write for. You know, gems to sprinkle into your copy that give a different view of wisdom for students, parents, whoever to digest. And you know, I liked it in a kinda-shrug-of-the-shoulders, nod-of-the-head kind of way. Ask me if I'd recommend it, and I'd say, "Yeah." It made me think in a simple, yet profound way. And for me, those are the best books.
March 8, 2015
The book is good, but very abstract. It's not only about leadership, but about how to live in general. It has many abstract points about how things work in life, and how we should work on understanding our surroundings.
I wished if the book had more real life examples as the abstract points can be very hard to fully and clearly understand. It's the kind of book you have to read many times, and probably you won't understand most of its points until you find yourself in a real life situation that matches one of the points mentioned in the book.
I wished if the book had more real life examples as the abstract points can be very hard to fully and clearly understand. It's the kind of book you have to read many times, and probably you won't understand most of its points until you find yourself in a real life situation that matches one of the points mentioned in the book.
July 31, 2008
This book was given to me by a friend when I was extremely frustrated and disappointed in a group I am involved with. It is a gentle, persuasive reminder to pursue wisdom and take the higher ground...and it reminds us to anticipate joy and mystery.
"Water freely and fearlessly goes deep beneath the surface of things; water is fluid and responsive...freom watching the movements of water the leader has learned that in action, timing is everything."
Nice to read after a difficult meeting.
"Water freely and fearlessly goes deep beneath the surface of things; water is fluid and responsive...freom watching the movements of water the leader has learned that in action, timing is everything."
Nice to read after a difficult meeting.
July 4, 2013
Overall, a lot of material for contemplation, but some ideas I didn't agree with, some contradicting ideas and/or out-of-touch with reality, so I'm giving 4 stars. Still better than most management and leadership books, because it's more fundamental. Everyone should let the material through their own filters and I'm sure there is something for everyone. Great easy read.
September 5, 2009
I have read this before, and I love it. It takes the Tao Te Ching and applies it to Leadership in any group setting. I learn something new every time I look through it.
March 27, 2010
An essential read for anyone managing a 21st century organization or community - businesspeople, elected officials, educators, parents, spiritual leaders, etc.
March 30, 2013
A must-read book on leadership for knowledge workers, managers, directors, C-levels, and entrepreneurs.
June 2, 2022
This isn’t simply a book to read but a tool.
December 20, 2025
I read this book with my school board in mind. We have been divided on a number of issues. Personalities have clashed, and time spent on our issues could be better spent on student outcomes.
I've found some excellent guidance in Heider's reworking of the Tao Te Ching. Practical, down to earth, and specific to what I was looking for.
For example, #58 Unfolding Process contains this sage advice: "Group process evolved naturally. It is self-regulating. Do not interfere. It will work itself out. Efforts to control process usually fail. Either they block process or make it chaotic. Learn to trust what is happening. If there is silence, let it grow; something will emerge. If there is a storm, let it rage; it will resolve into calm. Is your group discontented? You can't make it happy. Even if you could, your efforts could deprive the group of a very creative struggle." And more of the same. In other words, go with the flow.
Here is that same chapter in the popular Gia-fu Feng/Jane English version: "When the country is ruled with a light hand, the people are simple. When the country is ruled harshly, the people are cunning." Not quite as helpful for my purposes.
I will need to did into this little volume from time to time to remind myself of its wise lessons for leaders. And I will need to share some of these chapters with my colleagues. The calmness and balance of the Tao will certainly help our deliberations.
I've found some excellent guidance in Heider's reworking of the Tao Te Ching. Practical, down to earth, and specific to what I was looking for.
For example, #58 Unfolding Process contains this sage advice: "Group process evolved naturally. It is self-regulating. Do not interfere. It will work itself out. Efforts to control process usually fail. Either they block process or make it chaotic. Learn to trust what is happening. If there is silence, let it grow; something will emerge. If there is a storm, let it rage; it will resolve into calm. Is your group discontented? You can't make it happy. Even if you could, your efforts could deprive the group of a very creative struggle." And more of the same. In other words, go with the flow.
Here is that same chapter in the popular Gia-fu Feng/Jane English version: "When the country is ruled with a light hand, the people are simple. When the country is ruled harshly, the people are cunning." Not quite as helpful for my purposes.
I will need to did into this little volume from time to time to remind myself of its wise lessons for leaders. And I will need to share some of these chapters with my colleagues. The calmness and balance of the Tao will certainly help our deliberations.
March 14, 2025
A late 20th century reinterpretation and expansion of the classic Lao Tzu work, the "Tao Te Ching," but primarily focused on the ideas of the classic text as they relate to leadership in the modern age. Because of Heider's astute modernization and translation, the ideas presented in this book are much more palatable and accessible to modern readers than they were in the ancient text. Purists and practicing Taoists could rightly make an argument that this interpretation is verbose and loquacious. Furthermore, that argument could be continued to express that this verbosity goes against the fundamental ideas of Taoism itself. While a fair argument, I would still contend that the modern accessibility of this text more than overcomes any issues that may arise regarding the vernacular used.
November 9, 2025
Finished this quick read on my last day in the Bali a silent retreat at Panatahan. Love their library. Haven't really studied Taoism before.
This book is very realistic and very pragmatic. I like it. Took 20 pics out of the 81 pages in the book.
What really stayed with me was the one where I had to stop and think, is there a difference between how it happened and what happened? Of course a few topics in the book weren't relevant anymore and it really depends on the situation. I appreciate the Tao wisdom tho. Didn't know it emphasised a lot on feminine energy.
Liked the one part where it used the metaphor of masculine energy being the fast flowing river that eventually joins the calm feminine energy of the ocean.
This book is very realistic and very pragmatic. I like it. Took 20 pics out of the 81 pages in the book.
What really stayed with me was the one where I had to stop and think, is there a difference between how it happened and what happened? Of course a few topics in the book weren't relevant anymore and it really depends on the situation. I appreciate the Tao wisdom tho. Didn't know it emphasised a lot on feminine energy.
Liked the one part where it used the metaphor of masculine energy being the fast flowing river that eventually joins the calm feminine energy of the ocean.
March 15, 2024
I think the author was trying a little too hard to adapt the Tao to a new age. I think some of the beauty of the original text disappeared. The main thing I found objectionable was using Tao to be an equivalent word to God. I do not think taking a loaded word like God from other religions, and placing it in a text of a different time and culture and within an entirely different context of thought is misleading.Perhaps he could have developed it as part of the book’s introduction. I think the wisdom of the Tao stands on its own. “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.”
December 24, 2025
Livro atemporal e necessário para qualquer pessoa em posição de liderança. Traz ótimos insights e bons conselhos aterrados pela filosofia taoista, para pessoas que trabalham em posição que precisam orientar e governar situações complexas. Líderes que precisam treinar o seu olhar do ambiente em que estão pela ótica da fluidez da natureza, seja no trabalho, num projeto, no condomínio, ou na família.
Essa atitude de liderança pelo olhar do taoísmo nos leva a ter uma atitude mais consciente sobre as ações, mas também nas ações que fazem contra você. Sermos calmos, observadores, somadores, flexíveis e decisivos quando necessário.
Essa atitude de liderança pelo olhar do taoísmo nos leva a ter uma atitude mais consciente sobre as ações, mas também nas ações que fazem contra você. Sermos calmos, observadores, somadores, flexíveis e decisivos quando necessário.
December 17, 2017
An adaptation of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, geared toward leaders of all kinds.
As a teacher, I have found it both inspiring and consoling when encountering difficult students, parents, administrators, and colleagues. It’s no substitute for the original, but Heider provides a utilitarian adaptation for those of us in leadership positions willing to acknowledge and embrace a non-Western view of reality.
Like the original, The Tao of Leadership is a quick, worthwhile read you might pick up and open anywhere, anytime and gain insight and inspiration.
As a teacher, I have found it both inspiring and consoling when encountering difficult students, parents, administrators, and colleagues. It’s no substitute for the original, but Heider provides a utilitarian adaptation for those of us in leadership positions willing to acknowledge and embrace a non-Western view of reality.
Like the original, The Tao of Leadership is a quick, worthwhile read you might pick up and open anywhere, anytime and gain insight and inspiration.
December 18, 2018
Absolutely formative for me. I hadn't read this book in over 20+ years and decided to "review" it again. It was like I was reading my own words back to myself. I think this reflects both on how aligned the philosophy espoused is with my own, but more importantly it probably highlights just how much this book help form my outlook on life and leadership. Now in my mid 50s, when mid-life crisis is an ever-looming proposition of anger and bitterness, it's good to come back to this book and be reminded of what is good, true, and the source of my true joy.
July 21, 2024
Buku ini saya temukan di lantai dekat tempat tumpukan kertas/dokumen lawas. Tak ada kode olahan tapi ada cap dan barcode dibagian belakang. Tanya sana-sini, kesimpulan buku ini tak bertuan dan bisa diabaca dan diambil. eman-eman, pikir saya kala itu. Begitulan, malah tertimbun sekian puluh purnama.
Ilustrasi yang ada membuat buku ini semakin menarik untuk dinikmati. cocok untuk diletakan di meja kantor, dan dibaca ulang saat senggang. Saat ini saya membaca semua secara menyeluruh, kemudian membaca ulang beberapa bagian sambil meresapi makna yang terkandung dalam narasi tersebut.
Ilustrasi yang ada membuat buku ini semakin menarik untuk dinikmati. cocok untuk diletakan di meja kantor, dan dibaca ulang saat senggang. Saat ini saya membaca semua secara menyeluruh, kemudian membaca ulang beberapa bagian sambil meresapi makna yang terkandung dalam narasi tersebut.
June 17, 2021
Bought this on the recommendation of a career coach - its simple daily readings were/are pretty common sense but helpful reminders when I found myself in a sh*tstorm and needed a reminder of the basics. Took me ages to finish it as I read one entry per day and needed to sit in each daily reflection to absorb it and understand how the concept applied to the situations I found myself in. I also kind of fell off the wagon at one point ... finally picked it up again and got it finished.
October 10, 2022
One of the most wisdom-filled books I have ever read.
It was surprising for me to note that many ancient principles of leading people are articulated and explained here. It was also gratifying for me to see that my understanding of leading humans (peoples motivations don't change much over time, so techniques for leading people will also not change much) was quite accurate.
Strongly recommend this book to all leaders, learning professionals, aspiring people managers and students.
It was surprising for me to note that many ancient principles of leading people are articulated and explained here. It was also gratifying for me to see that my understanding of leading humans (peoples motivations don't change much over time, so techniques for leading people will also not change much) was quite accurate.
Strongly recommend this book to all leaders, learning professionals, aspiring people managers and students.
August 22, 2024
If you are looking for a gentle guidance as a holistic view in leadership, this is a great book. It was a very useful companion when I worked as a group facilitator for adult self help groups in a professional setting, it is a beautiful introduction to the view of Taoism on group work. I also allowed myself to be inspired for my sessions, by randomly opening the pages...one needs to be open to the general, holistic, gentle view of Taoism, Eastern philosophy.
March 19, 2018
I couldn’t decide if this was 4 or 5 star book. I went with 4 only because I wish it went a little deeper into the concepts. I know that’s not the point - but still, it is part of my rating.
If you are looking for a book like this (which probably not a lot are), then this is a good book. If you like Taoism and leadership, then you will like this book.
If you are looking for a book like this (which probably not a lot are), then this is a good book. If you like Taoism and leadership, then you will like this book.
May 8, 2018
Initially, when I read this, it seem very flaky, that everything is Tao.
But after a day, it started to sink in, and I realize its more about removing "self" from leadership, and be more about the community. And "self" can come in many forms.
A lot of repeating themes, but really simple points.
But after a day, it started to sink in, and I realize its more about removing "self" from leadership, and be more about the community. And "self" can come in many forms.
A lot of repeating themes, but really simple points.
March 4, 2019
I do not know what the original texts must be like but I did enjoy the (very) simplified version of it through John Heider.
I enjoyed specially the remarks of the softness of the water that embraces everything and stiffness of the tree before it grows.
A lot can be practiced for spiritual growth.
I enjoyed specially the remarks of the softness of the water that embraces everything and stiffness of the tree before it grows.
A lot can be practiced for spiritual growth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews