WHY THE COUNTRY EXISTS THIS WAY -1

If we go by the kinds of writings we read in the emails, one thing stands out -- the negative type of governance occurring in the country for many, many decades already. We are immersed in a kind of impasse where we view the 2010 elections as an excellent saving grace for all of us from the kinds of scams, scandals and other corrupt practices perpetuated throughout many administrations.

But what will make 2010 different from all the other elections? How sure are we that the next set of officials shall be different from the rest? Will the people commit themselves to a cheating-free elections? Will the Peoples'Primaries make a dent in the election profile? We seem to be in one grand move to push for new faces with ethical clout, from priests, proselytizers, leaders of non-government organizations, and so many other sectors so that we can truly have an honest government.

Should we pursue this course of action then should we not examine leadership qualities for governance at this stage? Sure there are many now who would pass ethical character questions, but the real substance of it all, I think is the art of leading, the art of persuading people to their side, and the art of negotiating with people from within and outside of organizations.

Unfortunately, I think that our negotiating skills are not really well-developed. In the family there is great deference to parental and older brothers' and sisters' authority although there are great reactions to this already. Outside, there is obedience to the word of the priest, from how to get pregnant up to annulling a marriage, personal circumstances which actually should be up to the individual 90% along the way. Then in the world of work, haven't we heard how the lower-ranking people, call anyone older, whether low or high in the organizational ladder, "ate" or "kuya?" Even xerox operators, as soon as they look older are called such by these young customers. In other words, feudal relations are too intact in this society, which we need to really examine if positive in developing a "good governance" policy.

For a leader who will espouse "good governance," the point is how he or she shall persuade others to see the point of upholding and practicing that principle. GG is good on paper, but in reality, what is it?

Basically, it is hearing everyone's side. It is knowing and practicing systems thinking as well as the art of negotiation. Now what are these?