Pathfinder
Hexagram 07 Leadership
The model of the moment: The quality of leadership has often changed the course of history. Leadership is a multiplier of individual effort. For it brings to bear the force of a multitude upon a task. No challenge is greater than that of providing leadership to a group. It can at times demand almost superhuman effort on the part of he/ she who fills the role. The best leaders know their followers well, and work to benefit all with the direction of they provide. Priorities are well defined, specific goals laid out at the appropriate times, and a grand, breathtaking vision provided for inspiration and cohesion. Followers are treated with fairness and generosity. Leaders take care to optimize their own time by the careful delegation of authority to competent subordinates. The course usually recommended for such times: Leaders do best by acting as guides rather than dictators. Self-confidence is essential for a leader, as that is where followers get much of their own courage from. Leadership means responsibility. True responsibility includes acceptance of the consequences of one's actions, for good or ill. Leadership more often means accepting the blame when things go wrong, than basking in glory when they go right. Leaders, more than anyone else, must keep a tight rein on their emotions, else they will endanger everyone for whom they are responsible with reckless errors. Personal flaws in leaders which can bring on defeat for the group as a whole, are: extremes in either risk-taking or caution, quickness to anger, strong personal attachments, and a predilection towards perfectionism. In cases of crisis where prolonged conflict may mean disaster for all, good leaders take care that subordinates are unaware of the most critical elements of wartime strategies; and in this way can no followers be traitors, or secrets lost. The very brightest of leaders rarely must resort to battlefields or courts of law to triumph. Instead, they achieve their aims in the everyday activities of peacefully negotiated transactions.
Fixed (no changing lines);
This is a plateau process or event; the given model will hold true for an extended period of time. Attempts to manipulate events away from the present course could prove frustrating and fruitless, until destiny is satisfied. Consider the following as well as the above: Though circumstances may change, your present challenge will remain essentially the same for quite some time to come. There is much for you to learn and do here. Allow others to reacquaint you with the ideals of humanity. Be generous and understanding. This will only strengthen you.
Changing Lines:
1
Proper, disciplined order must be established in the very beginning of any organized effort. To act otherwise is to invite disaster.
2
The successful organization and motivation of others requires awareness of their needs. Suitable rewards for exemplary performance should be made available.
3
Delegation of authority to the proper persons is essential. Errors here will lead to catastrophe. True leaders are too valuable to their groups to be put at risk; their presence in forward, exposed positions with the foot soldiers they command could render the entire force impotent in a single stroke, and lose not only the battle, but the war as well.
4
It is wise to withdraw to a safer position when faced with a superior force.
5
The natural ups and downs of battle require a wise leader to bind and hold forces together. A community naturally unites for purposes of self-defense, in reaction to an unprovoked and savage attack. But strength and experience in the group's leadership is required to stave off ruin in the longer term. Only a leadership previously awarded solely on merit can prevent calamity in extended times of trouble.
6
Authority must be given to those of competence and motivation in order to achieve success. Inferior persons will misuse such authority, to the detriment of all.
When all lines are changing;
A great challenge requires a great effort to meet it. The help of many is required. Only an act of leadership can assemble such might.