Next president must be a good navigator – HR managers

MANILA, Philippines - The next president of the Philippines must be able to steer the ship of state to the destination of a just and humane society.

This is one of the traits that the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) has drawn up for a presidential candidate to qualify to be the country’s leader in the next six years.

Among the competencies ascribed to a good navigator of the ship of state are analytical skills, judgment, decisiveness, tolerance for ambiguity and visionary leadership, PMAP president Roberto Policarpio told reporters yesterday during a roundtable discussion at a restaurant in Pasay City.

Human resource management professionals had come up with a profile of the success factor for the Philippine presidency that voters can use as standard for their choice of the country’s next leader.

The next president must also be a mobilizer, having skills in leadership, judging, selecting talents, results orientation and driving performance, the PMAP said.

He or she must be a servant leader ready to genuinely serve the people, and work hard to achieve the goals of the government, Policarpio said.  

Among traits associated with a servant leader are integrity, humility, continuous learning, decisiveness and stress tolerance, he added.

The next president must also be an inspiring leader, eliciting unity, trust and optimism among the people, Policarpio said.

He or she must also move people away from cynicism, and build trust in the presidency and the government, he added.

The final trait that voters must find in a presidential candidate is that he or she must be a guardian of national wealth, patrimony and law and order, Policarpio said.

“The next leader must ensure that the national wealth and resources are used properly, demonstrate strong political will, champion the fight against graft and corruption, ensure a level playing field, promote competence and professionalism and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

As guardian of national wealth and patrimony, the next president must have integrity, sound analysis and judgment, integrity, innovation and communications skills, Policarpio said.