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1. Humble Beginnings Can Lead to Extraordinary Paths

There is no glass ceiling for Singaporeans, if you are able, hardworking and lucky.

Overcoming adversity. Goh Chok Tong's early life was marked by poverty and the premature death of his father, instilling in him a deep sense of responsibility and a concern for education and healthcare. His family struggled to make ends meet, yet he excelled in school, eventually earning a government bursary that allowed him to attend university.

Education as a ladder. Goh's commitment to his studies and his eventual success in gaining a first-class honors degree in economics provided a pathway out of poverty for his family. This experience shaped his lifelong interest in education and healthcare, which became priorities throughout his political career.

Meritocracy in action. Goh's story exemplifies Singapore's meritocratic system, where individuals from humble backgrounds can rise to positions of leadership through hard work and ability. His journey from a simple home in Pasir Panjang to the highest office in the land is a testament to the opportunities available in Singapore.

2. Seizing Unexpected Opportunities Defines a Career

I did not choose politics. It chose me.

Unplanned entry into politics. Goh Chok Tong never aspired to a career in politics; instead, he was invited to stand for elections by then-Minister for Finance Hon Sui Sen. This unexpected opportunity altered the course of his life, leading him to a path he had never envisioned.

Adaptability and willingness to serve. Despite lacking political ambition, Goh accepted the invitation, driven by a sense of duty and a belief that he could contribute to the country. This willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities and adapt to new challenges became a hallmark of his career.

Learning on the job. Goh's rise in politics was not preordained; he learned the ropes as he went along, developing his skills and knowledge through experience. This hands-on approach, coupled with his innate abilities, enabled him to succeed in a field he had never initially sought.

3. Strategic Thinking and People Skills Trump Technical Expertise

We were definitely one of the pioneers and it was Mr Goh who kickstarted it. He was not a shipping man, but he is smart and sharp. He could see where shipping was going.

Beyond subject matter expertise. Goh Chok Tong's success in turning around Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) was not due to his technical knowledge of shipping, but rather his strategic thinking, financial acumen, and ability to motivate his team. He demonstrated that effective leadership transcends specific expertise.

Vision and adaptability. Goh recognized the importance of container shipping and steered NOL towards this emerging trend, transforming the company into a major player in the maritime industry. His ability to see the big picture and adapt to changing circumstances was crucial to his success.

Empowering and trusting others. Goh fostered a collaborative environment at NOL, empowering his young team and valuing their input. This participatory style of management, which he would later bring to politics, created a sense of ownership and commitment among his employees.

4. Empathy and Adaptability are Essential for Leadership

He is a typical Singapore boy who went to a neighbourhood school and who speaks with the Singapore tune and rhythm. And people identify with that. They found him very authentic.

Connecting with the common man. Goh Chok Tong's background as a "typical Singapore boy" from a humble family allowed him to connect with ordinary citizens in a way that his predecessor, Lee Kuan Yew, could not. His authenticity and relatability made him a popular figure among Singaporeans.

A kinder, gentler approach. Goh's leadership style was characterized by empathy and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. This contrasted with Lee Kuan Yew's more authoritarian approach, signaling a shift towards a more consultative and inclusive form of governance.

Balancing firmness with compassion. While known for his gentle demeanor, Goh was also capable of making tough decisions when necessary. This ability to balance compassion with firmness allowed him to navigate complex challenges and maintain stability.

5. Political Setbacks Forge Resilience and Shape Ideologies

Do not just assume on a rational basis that because you are more qualified than the other person, your party is better known, that you would get very high votes.

Learning from defeat. The PAP's loss in the 1981 Anson by-election, which Goh Chok Tong managed, was a turning point in his political career. The defeat taught him the importance of understanding ground sentiments and not taking voter support for granted.

Adapting to changing electorate. The Anson defeat highlighted the need for the PAP to adapt to a changing electorate that was becoming more diverse and demanding. This realization led to a greater emphasis on consultation and responsiveness to public concerns.

Shaping political sensibilities. The Anson experience shaped Goh's political sensibilities, making him more attuned to the needs and aspirations of ordinary Singaporeans. It also reinforced his belief in the importance of building trust and rapport with the electorate.

6. Building Trust Through Transparency and Consultation

The consultative government that he talked about, we saw it first in NOL.

Participatory governance. Goh Chok Tong's leadership style was characterized by a commitment to participatory governance, involving citizens in the decision-making process. This approach was evident in his extensive consultations on policies like MediSave and his creation of the Feedback Unit.

Transparency and accountability. Goh believed in being transparent with the public about the government's plans and policies, fostering trust and understanding. He also held himself and his team accountable for their actions, taking responsibility for both successes and failures.

Empowering grassroots leaders. Goh recognized the importance of empowering grassroots leaders and giving them a greater role in shaping their communities. This decentralization of power fostered a sense of ownership and engagement among citizens.

7. Succession Requires Both Vision and Pragmatism

The team has shown guts in tackling tough, sensitive and potentially vote-losing issues. We tackled them because the problems were critical for our survival.

Navigating complex transitions. Goh Chok Tong's rise to leadership was marked by the challenge of succeeding a towering figure like Lee Kuan Yew. He had to balance the need for continuity with his own vision for Singapore's future.

Balancing ideology with practicality. Goh was a pragmatist who was willing to adapt his approach based on the realities on the ground. He was not afraid to reverse unpopular policies or make difficult decisions when necessary.

Building consensus and trust. Goh's ability to build consensus among his colleagues and earn the trust of the public was crucial to his success in navigating the leadership transition. He demonstrated that effective leadership requires both vision and the ability to bring people along.

8. Authenticity Resonates More Than Imitation

The good thing about Goh Chok Tong was that he did not try to be another Lee Kuan Yew. He was himself and that appealed to people. And people were ready to have a leader who was not Lee Kuan Yew.

Embracing individuality. Goh Chok Tong's decision to be himself, rather than trying to emulate Lee Kuan Yew, was a key factor in his success. His authentic style resonated with Singaporeans who were ready for a different kind of leader.

Building a unique brand. Goh's focus on consultation, empathy, and a more relaxed approach to governance helped him to establish his own distinct brand of leadership. This allowed him to connect with the public on a personal level and build trust.

Recognizing the changing times. Goh understood that Singapore was evolving and that a new generation of leaders was needed to address the challenges of the future. His willingness to embrace change and adapt to the times was essential to his success.

Last updated: February 23, 2025