Sincerity speech: Chief Executive Donald Tsang addresses Chinese University of Hong Kong students.

A leader is responsible for giving direction, resolving issues, hunting for capable people, and motivating those under his charge. This was the message from Chief Executive Donald Tsang today, addressing Chinese University of Hong Kong students.

He said being the Chief Executive is a rather unglamorous and down-to-earth job.

"No leader will ever achieve anything if the aim is to pursue personal success and glory before achieving results in work."

Words into action

Mr Tsang said a talented businessperson can be good political leader if he understands the logic of politics. A politician must put words into action to live up to their promises, and never ignore the policy making process as both it and the result is equally important. If the process is ignored, he said, the community might not be able to form a consensus on government policies, which then cannot be implemented, however sound they may be.

It takes high effort to form a consensus when formulating policies, and politicians must go out and liaise with the people to better understand their views and communicate personal views to them.

"Public policies are not only about charts, figures and dry scientific arguments. They are also about social beliefs and values, so political communication works to combine them. If we know people's fears or what they may accept, we can make appropriate adjustments when formulating policies and therefore remove obstacles to implementation."

Sincere on sincerity

Mr Tsang said politicians cannot rely solely on showmanship to accomplish anything, and those who are good communicators must also demonstrate their sincerity by getting down to work to achieve what they have promised.

"I believe aspiring politicians must be people who hold onto virtues and values like justice, equality, freedom and democracy, and who have a mission to change society. This is what we call passion and sincerity."

Mr Tsang said the ability to execute a policy is the key to successful, pragmatic leadership, saying the ability to deliver on his promises is one who understands well the relation between the major principles and specific details of each policy. A successful political leader is on top of every detail.