1949 March 13.1. Being a Good Class Leader Although the Party committee may be small in number, doing its job well is no easy task. The primary issue is that of being an effective class leader. A Party committee is like a class; the secretary serves as the class leader. Of course, the relationship between the class leader and the soldiers is one of command, whereas that between the secretary and the committee members is based on majority rule. If one cannot even lead a small group effectively, how can he possibly direct and command millions of people in battle? Therefore, the key to the success of a Party committee lies first and foremost in having a capable secretary.

2. Laying All Issues on the Table This means that all opinions—no matter how many there are—should be openly discussed at the table, rather than being gossiped about behind people’s backs. Chairman Mao further stated that a Party secretary should be skilled at gaining the support and friendship of all committee members; such camaraderie is more powerful than any other force.

3. Sharing Information Committee members should share whatever they know with one another. Concealing information from each other will only hinder communication. Only by exchanging information can they develop a common language—a basic requirement that must be met. Chairman Mao cited an example: Despite their hostile relationship, the Soviet Union and Hitler’s Germany had previously signed a non-aggression pact, the final clause of which stipulated “mutual exchange of intelligence.” Surely, then, members of a Party committee ought to be able to share information among themselves.

4. Asking Subordinates When Uncertain One must acknowledge what one knows and what one does not know, refraining from pretending to understand when one does not. It is essential to “ask those below without shame” and to be receptive to their input. Naturally, some of what subordinates say will be correct, while other parts may be flawed. After careful analysis, the sound suggestions should be adopted and implemented, thereby becoming the leadership’s own position. True, correct leadership arises precisely from reflecting valid opinions.

5. Learning to “Play the Piano” Playing the piano requires all ten fingers to alternate between action and rest. However, the quality of the music produced differs greatly depending on whether the player knows how to coordinate these movements. In other words, rhythm and cooperation are crucial. If all ten fingers strike simultaneously without variation, or if only a single finger remains pressed down, no beautiful music will result. Applied to leadership, this translates into either repetitive work or a singular focus on just one task. Thus, Party committee work, like playing the piano, demands coordination and a structured approach: timely shifts in emphasis, firm commitment to central tasks, and the concurrent pursuit of other related activities—avoiding both redundancy and exclusive concentration on a single objective.

6. Maintaining Firm Grip Leadership must remain steadfast in addressing major tasks, holding fast to them and ensuring their thorough implementation in practice.

7. Having a Clear Understanding This refers to the committee and its secretary possessing a thorough analysis of issues, clearly distinguishing relevant figures and proportions, and basing decisions on concrete data rather than empty rhetoric or subjective judgment.

8. “Public Notice to the People” Holding Party committee meetings should be akin to issuing a public notice: prior notification and preparation are necessary. Participants should be informed in advance of the topics to be discussed and the problems to be resolved, ideally with materials or draft resolutions already prepared, so as not to resort to makeshift arrangements at the last minute.

9. “Lean Administration” This calls for brevity and conciseness in all reports, speeches, and writings—avoiding lengthy, rambling discourses. In essence, it advocates streamlined language and efficient administration.

10. Emphasizing Unity The secretary should strive to work collaboratively with comrades whose views differ from his own. Chairman Mao remarked: “Do not disdain such comrades. Once you cultivate a mindset of working together in unity with them, you will no longer feel repelled.”

11. Establishing Two Distinct Boundaries For every matter—right and wrong, achievements and mistakes, strengths and weaknesses, revolution and counterrevolution—there must be two clear boundaries. Generalizations and confusion should be avoided. Whether dealing with an individual or an event, a precise and meticulous analysis of its constituent elements is imperative. Such clarity can only be achieved through diligent study and analysis.