Reflecting on Leadership: Lessons from Emperor Li Shimin's Legacy
Written on
The Dichotomy of Founders and Managers
Have you ever noticed that the most successful founders often struggle as managers? It's a rare occurrence for founders to transition into exceptional CEOs, with notable examples like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg being the exception rather than the rule. Research from the early 2000s revealed that only 25% of founders maintained their CEO roles by the time of their company’s IPO. In my own experience, I've witnessed founders being replaced by external hires before reaching the IPO stage.
This challenge extends beyond startups to nation-building, where pioneers who excelled in warfare and consolidation often faltered in creating stable and thriving societies. Figures like Mao Zedong and Winston Churchill may have been extraordinary leaders on the battlefield, but they were less effective as builders of peaceful governance.
However, one emperor stands out in history for successfully establishing a long-lasting dynasty: Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty. His reign is celebrated as a golden age in ancient China and serves as a benchmark for leadership not just in China, but globally. Ray Dalio highlights Emperor Li Shimin as a remarkable leader who navigated civil war, unified power, and established enduring institutions, alongside only Caesar Augustus and Genghis Khan.
The Old Tang Book notes that during Li Shimin’s rule, "houses no longer locked their doors due to a lack of thieves, and travelers no longer needed to carry food, as it was provided at their destinations." This is a testament to his extraordinary achievements during medieval times.
Although his wisdom contains timeless insights relevant to today’s challenges, the book summarizing his reign, The Political Program in Zhenguan Times, has yet to be translated into English. My goal is to extract vital lessons from this work, addressing questions such as: How can one avoid losing perspective amid newfound power? How can one sustain a peaceful and prosperous society?
These insights are particularly valuable for today’s startups and organizational management, especially for new managers and those facing challenging superiors. Most of us have encountered difficult bosses at some point.
Historical Significance of Emperor Li Shimin
For those interested in history, it's essential to understand the significance of Emperor Li Shimin. China’s vast landscape, populated by numerous tribes, posed immense challenges for unification. The Qin dynasty, the first to unite China after the prolonged Warring States Period, lasted a mere 15 years due to the tyranny of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who undertook ambitious but oppressive projects such as the Great Wall and the persecution of Confucian scholars.
Similarly, the Sui dynasty, which preceded the Tang, lasted only 37 years. Emperor Yangdi's grand endeavors strained the economy and incited unrest among the labor force.
Upon ascending the throne, Li Shimin was acutely aware of the fragility of power, fearing a fate similar to that of his predecessors. He delved into ancient history and Confucian teachings, using these principles to establish one of history's most impressive dynasties. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of one of Japan's longest dynasties (1600–1867), revered Li Shimin’s work, considering it a crucial text for governance.
The Three Mirrors of Leadership
What is more challenging: creation or sustainability? Emperor Li Shimin posited that the downfall of empires often stems from corruption that arises with the acquisition of power. Gaining authority can cloud judgment, leading to detrimental decisions. Lord Acton famously stated that "power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Having observed the corruption of power in previous rulers, Li Shimin adopted a strategy of self-reflection using three mirrors to maintain his integrity:
- Bronze Mirror: Reflect on oneself to ensure a positive and appealing demeanor.
- Historical Mirror: Study the past to glean insights that aid in predicting future events.
- People Mirror: Embrace direct feedback from others, particularly subordinates.
This approach was revolutionary during his time, as emperors typically held absolute power, with critics often facing dire consequences. The concept of "Kangen," or providing constructive criticism to superiors, was something Li Shimin embraced fully. He welcomed criticism without resentment, even appointing adversaries to provide him with unfiltered feedback.
Imagine subjecting yourself to continuous scrutiny from seven appointed critics, as he did. This practice was so thorough that, when Li Shimin contemplated purchasing a new bowl for his meals, his advisors intervened, explaining that such a purchase might lead to extravagant living, which would not sit well with the populace.
This consistent feedback loop enabled him to remain a respected emperor throughout his reign.
Concluding Thoughts
Upon learning about Li Shimin's principles, I realized their relevance to contemporary management practices. I've witnessed the dangers of power corruption in early startup environments, where individuals unaccustomed to authority resorted to autocratic leadership styles, creating toxic workplaces. A significant issue was their inability to accept constructive criticism from peers.
Implementing 360-degree feedback systems that solicit input from all levels—supervisors, subordinates, and colleagues—can mitigate these issues. However, aligning incentives for providing honest feedback is crucial to fostering a healthy dialogue.
If you aspire to be an effective leader, remember to apply the three mirrors that Emperor Li Shimin utilized. Keeping these principles in mind can help you avoid cultivating toxic work environments and instead foster sustainable and healthy organizations.
