We suggest you turn to the Tao Teh Ching:
66. LEADING FROM BEHIND The sea is the ruler of river and stream, because it rules from well beneath. The teacher guides his students best, by allowing them to lead. When the ruler is a sage, the people do not feel oppressed; they support the one who rules them well, and never tire of him. He who is non-competitive invites no competition. -- tr. S. Rosenthal