Case Study

Milestone

Governing

The art of governing is dependent upon virtues, moral principles, and ethical standards of conduct integrated into the process to enhance practicing norms. In this way governance becomes renown for its persuasiveness and as enabler of the public good. Governance is inclusive to all levels of society and defines leadership. Having acquired the mandate for justice, Leadership via governance must vigorously investigate the affairs of the disenfranchised, the poorly affected, and employ proper means to resolve their difficulties.

For leaders to govern and govern well they must first master the art of self-leadership. Lessons learned can then be applied to regulate their families. In order to regulate their families they must first practice virtue in their own lives. In order to arrive at the practice of virtue, they must seek sincerity and purity of thought. In order to obtain purity of thought, they must first extend their knowledge gained through education and practical experience. The extension of knowledge lay in the investigation of things, a necessary step to advance one's understanding. Understanding and experience combine to increase ability to provide solutions, and then determine proper procedures to implement them to resolve difficult situations.

Responsibility is fixed at the point of leadership because leaders are servants of the people. They must strive for purity of heart and quality of mind as this leaves them little room or time for nefarious activity, and petty and selfish antics. The art of governing requires well-honed administrative and managerial skills to implement solutions to lessen humanity's plight.

Adapted from the Chinese Classic: 'The Great Learning'