I. “Be well-planned and decisive”—the emphasis here is on “planning.” We must plan extensively; insufficient planning will not do. We need to consult with all relevant parties and oppose hasty, arbitrary decision-making based on inadequate deliberation. In the past, we tended to seek input mainly from those who shared our views while neglecting dissenting voices; we consulted more with cadres than with production team members. When consultation is both limited and characterized by arbitrariness, affairs cannot be carried out effectively. Planning serves as the foundation: only through thorough deliberation can we arrive at sound judgment. There are many methods for extensive planning, such as holding fact-finding meetings and symposiums. The ultimate aim of planning is to enable decisive action. It is unacceptable for some comrades to make decisions with insufficient deliberation and undue haste.

II. “Leave room for maneuver” is not merely a matter of working methods; it is also a political principle. When formulating work plans, we must allow for flexibility and encourage initiative at lower levels. Failing to leave such leeway for subordinates is, in effect, depriving ourselves of it as well. Granting some margin benefits both upper and lower tiers. For example, setting a fixed yield target of 2,000 jin per mu in rural areas leaves no room for adaptation—neither for those implementing the policy nor for those at higher levels. In the past, we maintained reserve forces during military campaigns, yet this principle has been forgotten in our current focus on production. Economic work should not proceed in a headlong, all-or-nothing manner, nor should all productive activities be halted simultaneously. Planning must incorporate sufficient flexibility. Prioritizing key areas is paramount; without clear priorities, there can be no coherent policy. We carry out our work in accordance with established policies.

III. “Advance in a wave-like pattern.” All forms of motion involve fluctuations. Waves and undulations are ubiquitous in natural science. Any process of development unfolds in a wave-like fashion. This is an objective law governing the evolution of phenomena, independent of human will. Our work invariably proceeds from specific points to broader applications, from small-scale initiatives to larger undertakings—always in a wave-like, rather than a straight-line, progression.

IV. Be adept at assessing the situation. Regularly monitor political and economic developments. By “political dynamics,” we mean observing the ideological orientations of different social classes and tracking shifts in their positions. Secretaries must keep abreast of these trends, as should all committee members. Each member should not only fulfill their assigned responsibilities but also contribute to collective efforts.

V. Act decisively when the time is right. Adjust our plans in response to changing circumstances. Opportunities once missed may never return; therefore, we must seize them promptly and avoid indecision. If large-scale infrastructure projects have grown beyond manageable proportions, they should be scaled back. Similarly, any unhealthy tendencies within the Party must be addressed without delay.

VI. Maintain open communication. Ensure that information flows freely among all levels and across all directions—between superiors and subordinates, between neighboring units, and throughout the entire organizational hierarchy. Central authorities should consult and coordinate with local bodies, and members of the party committee should communicate with one another and with the secretary. In the past, our channels of communication were often too narrow; we must now find ways to improve them. One effective approach is to exchange letters once a month—a practical means of fostering dialogue. We should not be content merely with routine administrative procedures handled by the secretariat, nor should we restrict the flow of information to provincial party secretaries.

VII. Sometimes a single individual can prevail over the majority, because truth often resides in the hands of one person or a small group. Marxism, for instance, was originally held by just one thinker. Lenin emphasized the importance of a spirit that challenges prevailing currents. Leaders at all levels should carefully weigh diverse perspectives. Party committees at every level must consider not only the views of the majority but also those of minorities and other stakeholders. Within the Party, we should cultivate an atmosphere in which people feel free to express themselves and openly acknowledge shortcomings. While criticizing errors can be uncomfortable, doing so ultimately leads to improvement. Many refrain from speaking up out of fear: fear of reprimand, demotion, loss of face, expulsion from the Party, execution, or even divorce. Execution, after all, is what made Yue Fei famous. We must ensure that those who speak their minds remain immune from punishment and may retain their dissenting opinions in accordance with the Party Constitution. Historically, imperial courts employed corporal punishment by way of public flogging, resulting in countless deaths; yet many more perished silently under the weight of bureaucratic oppression.

VIII. Concentrate authority: centralize decision-making within the secretariat and the standing committee. Minority opinions should defer to the majority. At the same time, however, we must foster a vibrant internal environment where critical thinking is encouraged and constructive criticism is welcomed as a form of mutual assistance among comrades.

IX. Any document that is difficult to understand must be withheld; if it has already been issued, it should be withdrawn immediately. Writing should be clear and accessible, employing everyday language and a focused, unambiguous tone. Speeches and written communications must be tailored to their intended audience. Lu Xun’s “The True Story of Ah Q” exemplifies the use of simple, colloquial language.