A boy from the village of Que came bearing a message. Someone asked about him, saying: “Is he likely to improve himself?” Confucius said: “I have noticed that he seats himself among others and walks alongside people older than himself. He is not looking to improve himself; he wants to grow up too fast.”
闕黨，童子將命。或問之曰：「益者與？」子曰：「吾見其居於位也，見其與先生並行也；非求益者也，欲速成者也。」

It takes time and care to build up an effective personal network. Hanging out at parties or making noise on social media might be enough to trigger some attention from the makers and shakers, but unless you prove yourself to be sincere and to have something of value to offer they’ll soon lose their interest in you. Better to focus your time on building something great rather than flitting around like a social butterfly.

Continue reading Leadership Lessons from Confucius: like a social butterfly →

Yuan Rang sat with his legs stretched out waiting for Confucius. Confucius said: “A person who is disrespectful to their elders when they’re young, achieves nothing of note when they grow up, and lacks the grace to die when they’re old is nothing but a thief.” He then gave him a rap on the shin with his staff.
原壤夷俟。子曰：「幼而不孫弟，長而無述焉，老而不死是為賊。」以杖叩其脛。

The more harshly you criticize someone young for their lack of diligence and respect, the more likely they are to defy you. Ominous warnings about their impending doom aren’t going to deter them either. Why should they care what you think? You probably represent everything they’re against.

Continue reading Leadership Lessons from Confucius: a rap on the shin →