I picked up The Tao of Pooh again recently, expecting a cozy, familiar read. I’ve read it before, but this time I noticed something I missed the first time around.

Beneath the charm of the Hundred Acre Wood is a quiet, powerful introduction to Taoist philosophy—one that feels especially relevant to how we lead. Taoism reminds us that leadership doesn’t always require action. Sometimes, it asks for stillness, presence, and trust in the natural flow of things.

Pooh models this beautifully. He listens when Piglet worries, sits silently with Eeyore, and simply enjoys Tigger’s chaos. He doesn’t fix or push or force. He’s just there. Fully present. And that’s the kind of empathy I keep coming back to in my own leadership journey.

Too often, I’ve rushed to solve things. Jumped in with advice. Tried to shape outcomes. But empathy isn’t about control—it’s about showing up. About making space for others to be fully seen and accepted.

Pooh also leads without ego. He doesn’t try to change others or turn every moment into a teaching opportunity. He accepts each character exactly as they are. That kind of acceptance is deeply human, and a leadership skill I’m still working to grow.

What struck me most on this re-read is how Taoist leadership is so quiet. It’s not about charisma or control. It’s about presence. Attunement. A conversation. A shared moment over honey. In a world that often rewards the loudest voice in the room, that approach feels surprisingly radical.

So this week, I’m taking a note from Pooh: slow down, be present, and let empathy guide the way.