Confucius Clarity

This is a contribution from Christopher David Joslyn

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Confucius is the source of many of the most famous, insightful, and yes, overused musings and teachings on the planet.  Yet 2500 years after the Chinese philosopher died, most still find his simple truths a significant power in their daily lives.   

Of modest social position, Confucius began teaching in his 30s.  He dedicated his life to learning, mastering Chinese traditions in history and the arts, especially poetry.  He argued that the capacity for excellence was tied to the availability of education and the development of necessary life skills.

Steps and Goals

Confucius believed that leadership was not easy and the path to success difficult.     

“When obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”

— Confucius

Persistence and adaptability are therefore key.  But often, this timeless tome is confused.   We complete steps that promote outcomes different from the original goals.  We give steps more weight and power than the goals themselves.  And we try to move the goal post; changing the desired outcome.  

Remember goals are the guides.  Do not abruptly disregard or change them.  Actions are a result of goals.  If roles were reversed, lots of actions would bring only obtuse results.  Confucius is for clarification, not confusion.  Again, re-align your actions, not your goals.

Leaders

 In business and life, along the path of success leaders play a crucial role in managing disappointment. Confidence anchors your team and provides the backdrop for a calm but productive reappraisal of the “action steps”. 

Course corrections are inevitable.  Your job as a leader is to identify moments for change and manage new actions.  Then move the team forward – confidently, focusing their attention on completing the steps.    

There is much to think about when constructing team goals.  Sometimes, reflecting on simple truths will center your thoughts and help you develop the necessary framework for success.  That is the genius of Confucius.    

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Meet the Author

Chris is the CEO of iLevel Logistics and has been a professional in the industry for 25+ years. Along with owning and managing several other companies in the Transportation Logistics sphere, he has a passion for leading the next generation throughout the world of supply chain & transportation.

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