Good governance depends on proper leadership

We live in the best of times, but great challenges lie ahead. There is an obvious discrepancy between what has been achieved in terms of deliverance by public institutions, and what is expected by the public. Society is not satisfied with the current performance outcomes. Nowadays, the media's reach has grown with the rise of social networks. Thus, public awareness of government's positive and negative achievements is greater than ever.
With greater awareness, the communities' expectations rise. These expectations must be met. No one is willing to compromise. Especially, leaders of the world must regard themselves as committed servants of their peoples, not their supervisors. However, this is not a role only to be played out by government. Every single one of us has the potential to be effective individuals if we conduct ourselves in an ethical manner. We all need to start leading ourselves. We need to be leaders who are brave, visible and communicate at all times. Good governance is a process which cannot be shaped by legislature alone. It requires a transformation of culture. We need leaders who are dedicated to building an environment where ethics and appropriate regulation will be encouraged.
Good governance (GG) is not a matter of theoretical practice rather it is an absolute term of practical implementation. By understanding and learning the very processes of GG, anyone will be able to say that I know it, but by implementing it in real life he/she will utter confidently that I have done it. There's a golden rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". To ensure GG in every sector of personal and national life, there's a need of interaction with people, which definitely pronounce the emergence of animated leadership.
Surely, GG explores its wing by proper leadership that consistently moves from dependency to independence to interdependence. Effective leadership begins on the inside and moves out. Peoples of the democratic countries follow a leader not a cause. In politics and corporate world if the leader is liked, people will not look for another leader. In Bangladesh GG is not a new issue but its implementation is not highly performed. GG should be implemented effectively (doing the right things) and efficiently (doing things right).
Bangladesh has recently experienced growth despite little governance of any kind. But, undoubtedly, suspension of GSP (generalised system of preferences) facilities, the reducing rate of FDI (foreign direct investment), political instability, worst showdown of student politics, turmoil and unrest in RMG (readymade garment) sector (such as Rana Plaza collapse at Savar, Tazrin Fashions fire, Standard group fire, workers' movement etc), Hall Mark and Bismillah group scams, road accidents, traffic jam which are cutting down our economic work hours, lack of safety and security of mass people's lives, harassment by the law enforcers, crossfire, lack of long-term industrial development strategy, corruption, delay in decision making and more delay in implementing the decisions, eve teasing, unsatisfactory human rights etc are occurring in Bangladesh due to poor governance which indicates poor leadership. We can define it as our fate for consoling ourselves, but in reality we become frustrated by looking over the deviant avoidance by political parties vis-à-vis everyone involved with these. But, hope never dies rather it lives like everyday's sun. So, it's time to raise our voice along with the motto "Want the animated harbinger / To pull us to the development zenith / By good governance not by gabbling."
Much more challenging and difficult work remains to be done to attain economic growth as per the people's desire. That's why, GG is needed in the real sense with the whole nation helping each other to uncover the human spirit and human capability with high productivity in order to making the globe a small village for better standard of living.
GG is a continuous search for the truth, for the good, and for wholesomeness. These conditions in total may seem unachievable, but they are attainable, particularly in relatively small systems. We should remember that combination of some small systems will lead us to the large systems. It is true that the larger the system, the more it is difficult to create this kind of culture but still it is attainable through strong and highly involved leadership in the various units, sectors and at all levels.
Just as we know that behind every successful leader lie a capable team and many followers, behind all good leadership is good governance. Not investing in good governance structures is a sure way to undermine your leadership and lose your followers. Infatuation often involves some mystery; we don't know why we are attracted to something or someone, but we are. Often, it is because there is something beyond sight that is creating the illusion. With good leadership, it is often good governance.
Nowadays, good governance indicates Total Quality Management (TQM) and organizational Development (OD). So, spreading 'Leadership is we; not a person or a party, mission; not a show, vision; not a division, community; not a domicile' will be the pathway towards good governance. To ensure good governance for the country's development which also indicates global development partnership, all the political parties, policy makers, authorities of public and private organizations and of course individuals have to make variety of commitments including-
l We interact frequently within at least one cohesive group, perhaps several,
l We feel included and we work hard at making others feel included
l We participate in setting goals, solving problems and in organizational direction
l We value individuality, creativity and differences of opinion
l We hold each other mutually accountable for effective contribution
l We act ethically and with integrity in our relationships
l We each assume responsibility for effective leadership and effective group processes
l We reinforce our culture with much listening, recognition, expressions of appreciation humour, ceremony and tradition
l We emphasize Together Everyone Achieve More with Trust, Empowerment, Achievement and Motivation (TEAM).
Finally, governance is the relationship between rules-rulers and processes. It mainly consists of some key factors including transparency, responsibility, accountability, participation and responsiveness. Good governance will be acquired by performing and practicing the key factors in the whole world positively. As, 'World Management' is a board issue, but stating in short that the present World Management and leadership should be changed and reformed by 'Joint Global Management' which is filled with justice, love and freedom. To continue it, leaders must bear in mind that authority is a sacred gift from people to their rulers. I conclude the write-up with a specific solution to the current challenges, solutions and prospects of the future world by the poem of an Iranian poet which refers to the emergence of humanity and good governance:

Human beings are members of a whole,
In creation of one essence and soul,
If one member is afflicted with pain
Other members uneasy will remain.
 
The writer is a student of EMBA, University of Dhaka.
E-mail: safayethussain@gmail.com