临
19. Approach
lín; Leadership presence
Judgment
临：元亨利贞。至于八月有凶。
Supreme success, perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune. In the rising phase, anticipate the turning point.
Image
泽上有地，临；君子以教思无穷，容保民无疆。
The earth above the lake: the image of approach. The noble person is inexhaustible in the will to teach, and without limits in tolerance and protection of the people.
Lines
- Line 1, yang (nine)
初九：咸临，贞吉。
Joint approach; perseverance brings good fortune. Lead by influence, not by power.
- Line 2, yang (nine)
九二：咸临，吉无不利。
Joint approach: good fortune, everything furthers. Mutual resonance, aligned top and bottom.
- Line 3, yin (six)
六三：甘临，无攸利。既忧之，无咎。
Comfortable approach; nothing that would further. If one is induced to grieve over it, no blame. Sweet-talk management fails.
- Line 4, yin (six)
六四：至临，无咎。
Complete approach: no blame. Leaders go to where the work happens.
- Line 5, yin (six)
六五：知临，大君之宜，吉。
Wise approach—this is right for a great prince: good fortune. Know people, delegate without losing control.
- Line 6, yin (six)
上六：敦临，吉无咎。
Greathearted approach: good fortune, no blame. Generosity of character is the root of lasting leadership.
In the enterprise
The hexagram of leadership presence, supervision and growth windows: new managers, rising markets, executives walking the floor (gemba). 'In the eighth month, misfortune': rising windows are finite.
Psychological lens
Resonates with individualised consideration in transformational leadership (Bass); 'comfortable approach' describes the long-term failure of ingratiating leadership.
Related hexagrams
24. 复 Return
Lines 2–4 and 3–5: the hidden dynamics inside the situation.Opposite
33. 遁 Retreat
Every line reversed: the shadow side and blind spots.Inverse
20. 观 Contemplation
The figure turned upside down: the counterpart's or stakeholder's view.King Wen pair
20. 观 Contemplation
Situations in the library that use this hexagram
- Losing control after delegating Enterprise, Line 5, yin (six)
- Generational differences at work Enterprise, Line 2, yang (nine)
- Developing a new customer segment Enterprise, Line 1, yang (nine)
- Putting ESG on the board agenda Enterprise, Line 6, yin (six)
- Employee and community well-being Enterprise, Judgment
- Learning by teaching Individuals, Judgment
- Finding your leadership style Individuals, Line 5, yin (six)
- Volunteering Individuals, Line 6, yin (six)
- Passing experience to the young Individuals, Judgment
Situation readings are a reflective framework for discussion—not predictions and not a substitute for professional advice.