SOME THOUGHTS ON leadership from the ancient philosopher, Confucius:

People are obedient to the ruler who promotes the righteous and condemns the evil.

He who governs by example is like the Pole Star?it stays in place while other stars revolve around it.

He who is moved neither by slander that gradually seeps into the mind nor by statements that startle like a wound in the flesh is intelligent, indeed.

Men must be keen in matters of government, as the earth is keen on making things grow.

Listen and learn

Kong Yu was always prepared to listen and learn. He wasn?t ashamed to consult his subjects; he even sought the advice of lesser men. Hence, when he died, he was called ?The Learned One.?

A man who sets his heart on doing good will be emancipated from evil.

If you?re true, you will know it, because all the good people in your village will like you, while all the bad ones will hate you.

A gentleman will aid others with good deeds and stay out of trouble. A petty man will do the opposite.

A gentleman will help rescue a man trapped in a well, but he won?t jump in himself. He?s not perfect, but he isn?t stupid, either.

Boasts are harder to honor than promises.

It?s a disgrace for a gentleman?s words to be greater than his deeds.

Repay resentment with justice; repay virtue with virtue.

A great man is hard on himself; a small man is hard on others.

A wise man never trusts mere appearances.

An archer has a resemblance to the gentleman. When he misses his mark, he seeks the reason for his failure in himself.

Seek a true leader through careful study of character. Vote with wisdom, and reap the fruits of good governance!