Bridges and Boats: 18 Leadership Methods for the New Era

Author: Jiang Chunyun, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: As early as January 1934, Comrade Mao Zedong pointed out in the article "Caring for the Masses' Lives and Paying Attention to Work Methods": "We must not only propose tasks but also solve the problem of how to accomplish them. Our task is to cross the river, but without a bridge or a boat, we cannot cross. If we do not solve the problem of the bridge or the boat, crossing the river becomes just empty talk. If we do not solve the problem of methods, the task is just empty talk." Seventy years ago, Comrade Mao Zedong spoke these highly philosophical, vivid, and thought-provoking words, which, even when read carefully today, still resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression. In the new era, in light of new and objective realities, thoughtfully exploring the issue of "tasks and methods" or "crossing the river and the bridge/boat" remains a major and highly significant matter with great practical importance. The research content of this book is designed as 18 chapters: the Concept Chapter, Development Chapter, Decision-Making Chapter, Research Chapter, Innovation Chapter, Information Chapter, Personnel Management Chapter, Grassroots Chapter, Mass Work Chapter, Conflict Resolution Chapter, Pragmatism Chapter, Role Modeling Chapter, Rule of Law Chapter, Unity Chapter, Public Servant Chapter, Integrity Chapter, Learning Chapter, and Team Leader Chapter. Leadership methods and approaches run as a central theme throughout the 18 chapters. In some of these chapters, at first glance, they may seem unrelated to the realm of leadership methods, such as the Concept Chapter, which pertains to ideological understanding, the Pragmatism Chapter, Public Servant Chapter, and Integrity Chapter, which fall under leadership style issues, and the Learning Chapter, which relates to improving leadership quality. However, upon closer examination, these chapters should also be included within the scope of leadership methods. This is because leadership methods and approaches are not only about work methods but also about ideological methods, worldview, and life philosophy, as well as the stance and attitude toward the masses. All of these are issues that must be explored and addressed in the study of leadership methods. The combination of the 18 chapters on leadership methods in the new era forms an interconnected whole, with each chapter complementing and being indispensable to the others. This book comprehensively summarizes the new experiences in leadership work during the new era, explores new approaches to leadership methods, and forms a series of new understandings, perspectives, concepts, and leadership methods.