John Heider’s adaptation of the Tao Te Ching adapts Lao Tzu’s writings relevant to the lives of anybody who finds themselves in the position of leader. Heider takes Tao ideas of “How Things Work” and finds lessons about issues central to leadership: ego, conflict, teaching, intervention, listening, creativity, success and failure. Heider lays out the principles of Tao in accessible language, and the book is laid out in short, easily digestible chapters. How is this relevant to leading and teaching on teen outdoors camps and on summer community service trips? Although our approach at Deer Hill is not “Taoist” by any means, the fundamentals of the philosophy laid out here chime with the leadership qualities we at Deer Hill seek to instill in our field staff and participants: be compassionate; understand your own weaknesses and strengths; listen with care; speak with clarity; lead by example and be an equal part of the team; and nurture, but do not force, your group’s development.