Do you fully trust your team members?
"Water can both float a boat and capsize it."
This was said to be the personal motto of Tokugawa Ieyasu. He likened the water to his vassals (more broadly, the people) and the boat to the lord (or the shogunate), recognizing that his vassals could easily capsize him if they wished. In the era of the warring states differed, betrayals were common. There was always a tension, a belief that one should not completely trust subordinates.
Ieyasu, who later unified Japan, was held hostage by Imagawa Yoshimoto from the age of 8, for 12 years. He lived in constant uncertainty, not knowing if he would see another day. This experience likely honed his skills in human observation and survival, deeply influencing his character formation.
After establishing the Edo shogunate, he created a competitive environment where everyone had to produce results. For instance, powerful lords in key positions wielded influence but received minimal rewards. Conversely, those who received substantial rewards were not involved in shogunate politics. This meticulous balance prevented any single lord from holding too much power and wealth simultaneously. Under the absolute rule of Ieyasu, subordinates, within their limited scope, were given authority but were pushed to compete to achieve results.
Tokugawa Ieyasu's experiences and approach to leadership emphasized the critical balance of trust and control found within any organization. Based on his ruthless human insights, resources management, and educational system (centered on loyalty, where a more unified version of Bushido could flourish), he established a dynasty that led to 260 years of peace under the Tokugawa shogunate.
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