In praise of process excellence and good beginnings
- By Eugene Clark
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 8, 2013
Famous inventor and entrepreneur, Thomas Edison, wrote that “vision without execution is hallucination.” Lawyers, scientists and designers have an appreciation and understanding of the importance of “process.” In contrast to many who take process for granted unless it’s broken, it is important to look for the intelligence in the design of things. For that reason, this opinion is devoted to making visible what may appear to be invisible or taken for granted by many -- the excellence and efficiency in the once-in-a-decade leadership transition that began with the appointment of Xi Jinping as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, the activities in the first 100 days since that appointment, and now the National People’s Congress (NPC) and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) meetings.
Successions
Anyone familiar with business or organizational change knows that smooth leadership successions are not easily achieved and take careful planning and execution. As an outside observer and new to the process, I was impressed by the planning, worldwide press coverage and smooth change management process achieved at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in November 2012.
Vision
The leadership culture also speaks of the importance for leaders to articulate a broad vision for the country. Xi Jinping’s articulation of the Chinese Dream and building on China’s rich and long cultural traditions has attracted much praise and engendered considerable excitement both within China and from outsiders seeking to learn more about China.
Communication
Effective leaders are visible and expend considerable time articulating key goals. Again, I would join the chorus of praise echoed by many others regarding key themes that have been re-enforced by Xi Jinping -- for example, emphasizing the rule of law; fighting corruption; engaging with the outside world; achieving sustainable economic development for all Chinese citizens; preserving the environment; and creating a beautiful China.
One of the most neglected aspects of communication is listening. Again, we have seen numerous examples of a genuineness to listen, to engage, to utilize foreign experts, and so on.
Also impressive has been the use at all levels of government of multiple channels of communication, especially social media, to both inform citizens of government policies as well as solicit feedback from and hear the concerns of citizens.
Leadership
Jim Collins in his bestselling work, Good to Great, talks about level five leadership. Level five leaders possess a blend of personal humility and intense professional will to get things done and make a positive difference. Xi Jinping’s focus on humility, frugality and on a culture of “service” and engaging with people at all levels, evidences this top level of leadership.
Right mix of inside and outside attention
In the first 100 days, I believe that there has been an appropriate mix of attention devoted to domestic and foreign policy issues. Similarly, attention has been devoted appropriately to short term, intermediate and long term issues.
First 100 Days
Leadership literature also stresses the importance of new leaders getting off to a good start, especially within the first 100 days. I think Xi Jinping’s first 100 days have demonstrated the execution excellence that Thomas Edison wrote about.
I wish both the NPC and CPPCC every success in their discussions and in working out the priorities and plans and executing upon those plans as they lead China forward in the years ahead.
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:
http://china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm
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