The Tao Te Ching has been called the world's most profound book on leadership wisdom. James A. Autry, a former Fortune 500 executive and an active business consultant, has used Stephen Mitchell's translations of this classic and his interpretations of its principles as a launchpad for a series of inspired and inventive essays grouped into five sections — the wise leader, giving up control, motivation, creating a community that works, and vision. Autry's terse and poetic style is perfectly wedded to the Taoist path of indirection.
Pondering the Tao Te Ching's advice of "accomplish the great task by a series of small acts," Autry comes up with: "We have 10 ways to see the ultimate consequences of even the smallest action. Every action is an integral part of your life or job, and giving it your full attention can make a huge difference in how things work out."
Whether you are an employer or a freelance worker, you'll find a treasure trove of wisdom here about living with mystery, the benefits of flexibility, letting go of preconceptions and expectations, being a resource for others, keeping a clear and open mind, learning from mistakes, practicing humility, and making the most of creativity. Autry also delivers some of his own savvy comments on competition, the command/control system, downsizing, training, and compensation.