Chinese leadership understanding bundles authority with comprehensive responsibility for those led. When someone holds authority over you, they also bear responsibility for your development, welfare, and outcomes—and you can expect them to take this seriously.
When you hold authority over others, you inherit responsibility for more than task completion; you’re responsible for developing your people and attending to their circumstances. This reciprocity is fundamental: leaders have obligations as well as rights. Authority exercised without corresponding care for followers is seen as exploitation rather than leadership.
If you’re in a leadership role, your people expect you to use your authority for their benefit, not just organizational goals. If you’re following, you can expect leaders to take responsibility for you, not merely direct you.
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