“A leader is best when people barely know that he exists. Of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aims fulfilled, they will all say, "We did this ourselves."”

What does it mean?

The best leaders don't need attention or praise. They guide quietly, so the team feels proud that it achieved the goal on its own.

Key vocabulary

barely

only just; almost not

aims fulfilled

goals achieved

• “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”– Lao Tzu
• “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.”– Lao Tzu
• “Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.”– Lao Tzu