Too tough or amicable team player? All eyes on Lam and Tsang as Hong Kong civil servants consider their future boss
Heavyweights in chief executive race are both technocrats with perceived leadership styles that are polar opposites
Here is a common dilemma that all employees face: do you prefer a hands-off type of boss, or one who is demanding and not so nice, but capable?
At the same time, to be a real leader, team-building is no less challenging than taking up the top job itself, as that may require a personality change.
Both are technocrats who spent decades in public service, but inside and outside the government, people know too well they are two completely opposite characters. Lam is very strict and demanding, while Tsang is more laid-back.
Lam dismissed speculation that several senior officials would resign if she wins the city’s top job – this was during an interview with ourTV.hk, an online platform operated by former Democratic Party chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing.
Lam also strongly denied allegations made anonymously against her by people claiming to be government insiders as “groundless” fabrications.
However, she did acknowledge that civil servants today are under tremendous pressure amid the city’s politically complex climate.
Understandably, hiding one’s shortcomings is a common strategy in any election campaign. That explains why Tsang – who is considered by critics to be less capable than Lam – and his team have been trying quite successfully to build an image of him as an understanding and supportive boss who can team up with capable people.
Turning this perception around to convince the public that she can also be a caring boss while setting high standards is equally challenging.
The beauty of a campaign is to make one more humble.
To be fair to Lam, there are people who appreciate her and some civil servants have also said in private that she instils more fear than dislike. Whatever that really means, Lam should find some wisdom in the Chinese saying: “Correct mistakes if one has made any, but guard against them if one has not.”
Surely, no leader can please everyone. Yet being the leader of the city entails a totally different role than that of a No 2 or No 3 official, or a minister.