When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it

Host: The soft rustling of leaves outside the window gently broke the stillness of the room. Jack sat on the couch, his eyes distant as he reflected on the words in the book he had been reading. Jeeny, sitting across from him with a cup of tea, noticed his deep thought and set her mug down, sensing something profound had caught his attention.

Jeeny: (gently) “You seem lost in thought. What’s going on?”

Jack: (looking up slowly, with a soft smile) “I was just thinking about a quote from Lao Tzu. He said, ‘When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'’ It really made me reflect on what true leadership is — not about taking credit, but about empowering others to take ownership of their success.”

Host: Jeeny’s expression softens as she considers Jack’s words. She leans forward slightly, clearly intrigued by the deeper implications of the quote.

Jeeny: “That’s such a powerful way to think about leadership. It’s not about being in the spotlight, but about guiding others in a way that makes them feel capable, empowered, and in control of their own success. The best leaders aren’t the ones who take credit — they’re the ones who help others see their own potential.”

Jack: (nodding) “Exactly. It’s about stepping back and allowing others to rise, to take charge, to feel like they accomplished something on their own. Great leaders don’t need recognition for themselves — their success lies in how they inspire others to succeed, to lead themselves.”

Host: Jeeny’s eyes brighten as she reflects on the idea, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup. The quiet in the room feels even deeper now, filled with the understanding that leadership is about fostering independence and confidence in others.

Jeeny: “It’s like the leader’s role is to set the stage, to provide the resources, the guidance, and the support. But the true victory is when the people involved believe they’ve made it on their own. It’s not about micromanaging or taking charge in every moment — it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels capable and motivated to do the work.”

Jack: (thoughtfully) “And it’s humbling, isn’t it? To lead in such a way that the focus is never on you, but on the collective strength of the group. When people believe they’ve done it themselves, it means the leader has done their job — not by being in the spotlight, but by helping others step into theirs.”

Host: The air in the room feels lighter now, as if a subtle shift has occurred in their understanding of leadership. The quiet hum of the world outside fades as the realization settles in — true leadership isn’t about taking credit, but about helping others find their own power and success.

Jeeny: (smiling softly) “I think that’s what makes leadership so beautiful. It’s about selflessness, about lifting others up and giving them the confidence to believe they can achieve greatness. When everyone feels like they’ve contributed to the success, that’s when leadership has truly succeeded.”

Jack: (grinning) “Exactly. It’s the kind of leadership that isn’t about the individual, but about the collective. When the work is done, it’s not the leader who gets the applause, it’s everyone who feels proud of what they’ve accomplished together.”

Host: The conversation settles into a peaceful silence, the understanding that true leadership isn’t about personal recognition or accolades, but about empowering others to realize their potential and take ownership of their journey. The best leaders inspire others to believe in themselves, and in the end, the success is shared by all.