Confucius

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Constructive Dissent

  Integrity

  Loyalty does not mean blind obedience; one must respectfully and gently point out errors when a superior or parent is at fault.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source The book of filial duty  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize the needs of others

  Leadership

  A leader or founder should consider the comfort and desires of those they serve before satisfying their own needs.

  Source The book of filial duty  (opens in a new tab)

• Persistence moves obstacles

  Resilience

  Extreme dedication and sincere effort can overcome seemingly impossible natural or situational barriers.

  Source The book of filial duty  (opens in a new tab)

• Distinguish Substance From Distraction

  Focus

  A leader must guard against external distractions and gifts designed to divert their attention from the serious responsibilities of their work.

  Source The Sayings of Confucius: A New Translation of the Greater Part of the Confucian Analects  (opens in a new tab)

• Reciprocal Responsibility

  Management

  Authority is not brute force but a responsibility to protect and serve those under one's care to earn their respect.

  Supporting quotes

  • “"The virtue of the prince," he said, "is like unto wind; that of the people, like unto grass. For it is the nature of grass to bend when the wind blows upon it."”

• Social Harmony Through Altruism

  Team

  Success in any organization comes from restraining egoism and acting for the common good of the group.

  Supporting quotes

  • “"The virtue of the prince," he said, "is like unto wind; that of the people, like unto grass. For it is the nature of grass to bend when the wind blows upon it."”

• Balance Caution with Action

  Strategy

  A leader should avoid reckless bravery and instead value those who plan thoroughly and respect the risks involved in any enterprise.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source The Sayings of Confucius: A New Translation of the Greater Part of the Confucian Analects  (opens in a new tab)

• Filter for Eager Learners

  Management

  Do not waste resources on those who lack the drive to improve or the ability to think for themselves.

  Supporting quotes

  • “I will not be grieved that other men do not know me: I will be grieved that I do not know other men.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• No secrets in mentorship

  Management

  A high-level mentor or leader does not keep secret shortcuts; they teach the same fundamental principles to everyone, including their own family.

  Supporting quotes

  • “Our Master's teaching simply amounts to this: loyalty to oneself and charity to one's neighbour.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Balance study and action

  Career

  Those in positions of power should use their spare time to learn, while those studying should apply their knowledge to public affairs.

  Supporting quotes

  • “The wise man will gain the confidence of the people before laying burdens upon them; otherwise, they will consider it oppression.”

    “It is not the way of the wise teacher to distinguish between subjects of first-class importance, which must be taught, and subjects of secondary importance, which may be neglected.”

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

• Prioritize substance over ritual

  Strategy

  It is better to be frugal and sincere than to follow elaborate procedures without genuine feeling or purpose.

  Supporting quotes

  • “When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it;-- this is knowledge.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Balance substance with style

  Leadership

  A leader must balance raw ability with refined manners; too much raw ability is crude, while too much refinement is superficial.

  Supporting quotes

  • “They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• The Art of Virtue

  Management

  Judge the needs and feelings of others by looking at one's own desires and experiences.

  Supporting quotes

  • “If the search for riches is sure to be successful, though I should become a groom with whip in hand to get them, I will do so.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Adapt your communication style

  Management

  Adjust your manner and speech based on the setting and the rank of the person you are addressing to maintain professionalism.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source The Analects of Confucius (from the Chinese Classics)  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize Clear Definitions

  Strategy

  Before starting any project, ensure all terms and roles are correctly defined to prevent confusion and operational failure.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source The Analects of Confucius (from the Chinese Classics)  (opens in a new tab)

• Maintain Integrity Over Office

  Integrity

  It is better to endure homeless wandering than to serve under an unworthy ruler for the sake of power.

  1 more supporting quote is in the member records.

  Source The Sayings of Confucius  (opens in a new tab)

• Selective Observation

  Learning

  A leader should actively filter information by adopting the strengths of others and avoiding their mistakes.

  Supporting quotes

  • “Waste makes men unruly, thrift makes them mean; but they are better mean than unruly.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Avoid the Trap of Small Ways

  Focus

  Do not get distracted by minor, insignificant tasks or paths that seem interesting but lead nowhere, as they can prevent you from reaching major goals.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source The Sayings of Confucius  (opens in a new tab)

• Maintain singleness of aim

  Focus

  Combine broad learning with a focused objective to achieve excellence and maintain integrity.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source The Sayings of Confucius  (opens in a new tab)

• Prioritize Integrity Over Speed

  Leadership

  A leader should focus on being truthful and correcting mistakes immediately rather than worrying about being misunderstood.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Wikiquote: Confucius  (opens in a new tab)