Tuesday 2 September 2014

Empathy a factor when choosing Public Service leaders


We thank Mr Kwek Jia Hao for his comments in the letter “The importance of leaders’ empathy and a sustainable meritocracy” (Aug 20) and agree it is important that public officers perform their duties with empathy.

It is this quality that ensures that our officers are able to better understand our citizens’ concerns and connect with those whom we serve.

Indeed, to better connect with those whom we serve, our officers, beginning with the leaders, are encouraged to be involved in the community, for example, through community attachments.

They are also posted to front-line agencies to be exposed to operational issues and serve through direct interactions with our citizens. We do this systematically, including with our scholarship recipients.

Our officers move through the ranks on merit.

There is no presumed fast-track progress for an officer just because he was a scholarship recipient.

Everyone is assessed based on his or her performance and ability to take on larger responsibilities.

Many officers holding senior appointments in the Public Service did not start out as scholarship recipients.

Qualities such as the ability to empathise with the concerns and needs of our citizens and staff are also considered when choosing leaders.

Within the organisation, we regularly conduct employee engagement surveys, where emphasis is placed on the leaders’ ability to lead and win their colleagues’ trust.





The importance of leaders’ empathy and a sustainable meritocracy
By Kwek Jia Hao, TODAY Voices, 20 Aug 2014

I agree with President Tony Tan that leadership in public service requires not only intellect, but also empathy. (“Five receive President’s Scholarship”; Aug 14)

Empathy is fundamental to good governance, as we appoint and elect leaders on the notions of trust and empathy. It is this understanding that creates bonds between different stakeholders, and our pioneers’ contribution to Singapore’s development is a strong precedent.

Our transformation from Third World to First was a result of effort, dedication, shared values and our leaders’ empathy with our pioneer generation. These contributions, and not scholarships, propelled the development, wisdom and immense growth of that generation.

The Government’s effort in the past year to reduce the distinction between neighbourhood and “elite” schools is a step forward, as our perspective of education is, in my opinion, a fundamental determinant of this illusory divide.

I do not disagree with the proposition that every school is a good school. I had my primary and secondary education at neighbourhood schools near my home and am grateful to have received a full public education.

Education per se is a critical aspect of individual development in the progress of society. The institution or form of education should thus not be stigmatised, for we should realise the importance of diversity in society.

A scholarship is recognition of an individual’s academic achievement. The privileges of a scholarship, though, should not extend to accelerated growth in a scholar’s career.

We can advocate for meritocracy only if there is a level playing field, and meritocracy should be applied in two phases: First, in academic achievement; second, in one’s contribution to society and the economy.

A scholarship must thus never be a means to an end. That is retrogressive to our society’s harmonious growth. Social mobility is what motivates our workers to achieve their aspirations, increase productivity and create new opportunities for our economy.

Therefore, educational choices or pathways should not determine the boundaries of one’s growth and aspirations. Sustainable meritocracy cannot function if privilege breeds complacency and discontent. Nurturing leaders is thus as important as developing our workforce.

In public service, the search for leaders should be diversified as society advances. If they were to have undergone a process of hardship, concurrently achieving exceptional results in both organisational objectives and relationship building, there would be empathy in leadership.

The concept of sustainable meritocracy will encourage active workforce participation, enable social mobility and help tackle the challenges Singapore faces. Our best years lie ahead.


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