Rule 5
End superficial banality in thinking, speaking, planning and acting.
Get real, open-minded, future-oriented, quicker, pragmatic and much better.
Learn to pivot, like a successful start-up in Silicon Valley- open for the better each day. If you find a better idea, forget the last. Do not stick to old, outdates ideas. Even if you have fallen in love with them when you were a young politician.
Adopt the best global practices and forge them into your political agenda.
Promoting your credibility and voter approval.
Dear politicians, please stop:
- Mostly just declarations of intent without bold plans and necessary actions.
- Words instead of deeds. Waiting instead of acting.
- Bubblegum-like administration instead of reforms.
- Highly career-focused and power-obsessed.
- Tactics instead of consistent and quick problem solving .
- Most of you uttering the same ideologically influenced standard phrases – the political art of self-indulgent phraseology.
- In the sleeper car of power, an unambitious slug mentality.
- Wait and see instead of doing. Almost everything is much too slow and too self-righteous – but time is pressing. Many world problems must be solved now. Before it is too late for the survival of nature and enjoying our life in freedom and happiness.
Rule 6
Become Simply The Best.
Let excellence be your new hot brand and become unforgettable for your voters.
By implementing the Golden Global Champions in all areas of politics as the proven best practices from all over the world.
Rule 7
The new core objective of any policy must be people's happiness. Everything else is subordinate to it.
The parties too often lose sight of the main goal of the people: their happiness. Good politics must make as many people as possible happier, not just their spoiled interest groups. Not just any ideology should be at the centre, but the people, with all their different needs. New policies must become broad-based happiness policies for many.
Strengthen social justice? Save the world's climate? Reduce migration or crime, and so on?
Yes, if it makes people happier.
Rule 8
Nurture and strengthen the foundation of democracy: big and small businesses, economic growth, low inflation, little unemployment, good salaries.
Without them, everything is nothing, and democracy breaks down.
As in the years 1918 to 1933 in Germany, when hyperinflation, the world economic crisis led to poverty and the failure of the Weimar Republic. This was the main reason Hitler's party won more and more votes and reached 32 percent in November 1932. Together with the Communists, the NSDAP had exactly 50 percent of the seats in the Reichstag. There was only a choice between two evils: Hitler or Stalin's German communists. Hitler became chancellor in 1933, in a coalition with some democratic parties of the center. Democracy was strangled at the ballot box. This lesson of history is forgotten.
Naively, many politicians believe that the economy practically runs itself. They burden it with high taxes and bureaucracy. Some believe that politics must control the economy in some way.
The left still propagates a kind of socialist economy, although these models have totally failed in all 50 socialist states worldwide and always in the last 100 years and ended in poorness for the people and good living for the socialist elite only in an undemocratic dictatorship. Albert Einstein rightly warns, "You can't always do the same thing and expect different results."
The right balance between cold turbo-capitalism and deadly socialism was struck by Ludwig Erhard's Social Market Economy, invented in Germany. It reconciles capital with labor in an exemplary way. A German model of success since 1949.
Needed are fair wages and fair profits as well as the freedom for businesses to flourish.
Rule 9
Make active politics for all, the whole people. Do not focus on minority issues only. Balance your public attention.
When politics is too focused on the problems and rights of small groups rather than those of the broader population as well, it loses credibility, appeal, retention, and voters.
This is true for the media as well, who often forget to report the non-sexy problems of millions as well. They echo what the small urban elite thinks and wants, forgetting the countryside and small towns where the majority live.
This policy and awareness vacuum is feeding frustration and populisms. It is their oxygen. Too many people feel left behind. Not taken seriously with their real problems and fears by the ruling parties and the public.
This was evident in the electoral analysis of Trump vs Clinton in November 2016. The "basket of deplorables" (Hillary Clinton, September 9, 2016) in the fly-over states of the US felt their fears forgotten. By by the elites in Washington DC and the media. There, the promotion of minority rights dominated. They got quite angry and looked for a savior. In droves they ran to Donald Trump and formed MAGA.
This basic mistake should not be repeated.
Rule 10
Stop Chancel-culture - Free Speech is the fertile basis of our democracy.
The political climate is increasingly being poisoned because the loudest, most radical are pushing the level-headed and pragmatic into the background and mocking those who think differently. This trend is reinforced by the social media. Some even promote a cancel-culture as a dictatorship against free speech.
This is weakening the basis of our democracies.
Who takes into account the interests of the country’s people remaining silent? Who still dares to speak openly as a normal citizen about what he or she really thinks? The so-called “silence spiral” of Professor Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, founder of the Institute for Public Opinion Research in Allensbach, Germany, is intact. You only say what you think you can safely say. People are increasingly silent on pressing problems.
This development is poisoning the foundation of our democracies. Dialogue is being subdued. Bans on freedom of opinion, open discussion and free speech are totalitarian instruments poisoning the core of democracy and ringing the bell of bondage.
Politics also gives rise to an ideologically dominated religious war.
This is not compatible with the need for an open-ended discussion. The democratic discourse is thus derailed. Instead, we need maximum openness and respect for the convictions of others.
Open discussion and dissenting opinions are necessary.
In clear contrast to encrusted old politics, the ethos of democracy as well as the sacred fire of free debate must be cultivated with particular care.
This includes an open and honest culture of discussion. Respect for other opinions, renunciation of prejudices and hate propaganda.
Rule 11
We need more dialogue, the mother tongue of humanity. Because it helps us to turn enemies into opponents and opponents into new friends.
Dialogue not only with like-minded people in our own “communicative bubble”, but also with those voicing different political views.
No bans on thought, discussion and speech. It is worth talking to people who think differently. Dialogue strengthens our democracy and unites the people.
The prevailing opinion promotes exclusion. Ignore. Not inviting. An all-out fight against “the right” or “the left”. Dialogue, which is indispensable for humanity, is hardly ever taking place. Politicians, journalists and committed citizens are moving further and further away from the wisdom of the Enlightenment and too often prefer the dictatorship of their own opinion. This is called propaganda.
Zealotry destroys the humus of discussion, compromise and respect for the opinions of others. We do not need a new inquisition, hate propaganda or new book-burning, but more dialogue and relaxed openness in discourse. We simply need to talk to each other more and not exclude those who think differently. There is no alternative. More oxygen for democracy is needed now.
Worse still, this bunker mentality consolidates entrenched opinions. Like knights they defend their position, which can be wrong and outdated. One no longer learns but worships one’s own faith like a Holy Grail. But this is the beginning of the end, because politics is always made by people who can be wrong. Plans made yesterday may be wrong the day after tomorrow.
Politics degenerates into a bitter war of faith aiming to kill the opponent with words, later maybe by extremists even with deeds. Democracy, which has hitherto been open to opinion, thus mutates so insidiously into a creeping democracy and at some point, and somewhere even into a real bloody dictatorship, because supposedly good ends justify these means.
Often this radical approach fails and makes the populists even stronger. We have seen this in Trump America as well as in Europe.
More promising is an intensive dialogue.
For these seven reasons, bans on thought, discussion and speech or a refusal to engage in dialogue is dangerous for any democracy:
- The democratic discourse is poisoned. But our democracy thrives on the exchange of different opinions. This is the heart of democracy.
- If you want to convince or win, you have to get to know your opponent better and understand him or her.
- A refusal to engage in dialogue has so often in history led to exclusion, then persecution and finally to the annihilation of those who think differently. A dangerous slide from democracy to dictatorship.
- We have better arguments. Why not engage in the battle of intellectual debate? We always learn. Let us be open-minded and relaxed.
- We have the opportunity to turn enemies into opponents and opponents into friends. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Why give up this opportunity?
- It is less about the opponents than about their supporters and voters. We can only change their minds if we talk to them, listen to their concerns and make them feel they are being taken so seriously.
- You can simply turn this mechanism around, thus becoming its victim yourself. The method of refusing dialogue is dangerous because it can affect anyone.
That is why we must always listen to our political opponents and even our enemies and their supporters. We must seriously consider their arguments.
We should talk to everyone and develop and maintain the capacity for dialogue in democracy. This is a task for politicians, the media and all organisations.
Rule 12
More courage to make decisions and give up the customary refusal rituals.
Too often, politicians or civil servants refuse to absorb, discuss and understand new ideas. Unconvincing counterarguments are feverishly presented. Creative new thoughts are diluted and talked down until the status quo ante is re-established.
Rule 13
Intensive discussion and planning needed.
The first German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) once remarked:
„The less people know about how sausages and laws are made, the better they sleep.”
How is politics actually planned today?
There is hardly good initial planning followed by creative, timely and critical adjustments. There is frequently a lack of urgency. Problems are described, but options and solutions are almost never seriously developed and worked through. One can call it superficiality and sloppiness. Or ignorance. In any case it is irresponsible.
Rule 14
Speedy and perpetual reforms.
In a globalized world everything progresses at a fast pace. Consequently inflexible, vague party programs dominated by wishful thinking are outdated. What is needed are flexible procedures as well as extensive dynamic reforms with intensive and long-term planning, pragmatism, realism, creativity and speed: An all-encompassing national “Mission Future” by future-makers: Embracing, shaping and winning the future.
Rule 15
Activity reports and readjustments.
We need annual activity reports on important issues, reinforcing the ministries` commitment to coordination, clarity and truth.
This in turn would create transparency and enable democratic control.
Flexible and quick adaptation of administrative bodies to reality is crucial. This requires clarity and coordination.
Rule 16
Setting long-term priorities instead of short-lived crisis management.
Short-term crisis management no longer suffices. Instead, a long- term strategic approach is required. This is essential for good, sound policies that can make our world a better place in the long term.
Moreover, focusing on short term crises pushes important popular issues into the background, even neglecting them.
We need long-term priorities for all major issues, rather than hectic crisis management dealing with fashionable topics.
Rule 17
Establish practical concordance of citizens' wishes.
People want many and different things. They often change their opinions and priorities. They are fallible, good and evil. That is a fact.
Sound policies for the future must not be illusory policies based on the good in people, because they are bound to fail. Shaping policy with the heart is not enough.
Moreover, policy must not only focus on minority causes and neglect majority issues. All citizens are ultimately minorities in different groups. This fact requires a harmonious policy taking due account of all groups.
We also need all areas of policy to work together, not just focusing on a few topical issues.
Rule 18
More honesty and humility needed by politicians.
We humans cannot know everything. We are not made for this. The ocean of knowledge is too big and is getting bigger and bigger.
But there is the ‚superhuman ‘, the politician. Outstanding politicians are said to have miraculous powers. They know and can do everything and do it better than anyone else. A modern political fairytale for the citizens. The remnant of the divine grace of former ruling kings and subjects.
Everyone is wrong, but apparently our politicians are not. They are true supermen and superwomen, a kind of Batman or Spiderwoman. The credibility, the oxygen of our democracies suffers under this legend.
We must expose this erroneous, messiah-like belief for what it is: pure nonsense. You can get into topics well, but nobody can know everything. Humanity’s knowledge is far too great for that, and the dynamics worldwide are too fast.
It is time for our politicians to say: “I don’t know.”
The media must embrace this new honesty.
The new culture of discussion also should include the sentence: “Sorry, I was wrong, and know it better today.” When was the last time you heard this statement from a politician?
Rule 19
Better politicians and a responsibility elite.
For sound policymaking, we need many energetic men and women with character, the will to think for themselves, with a joy for redesigning, for humanity, creativity, courage and optimism. With inner musicality for the political. In addition, with knowledge and experience outside the unreal political bubble.
In a vibrant democracy the parties need to be less of a career lift. We need more criticism, bottom-up decision-making, and no old blinkers.
Do you belong to the elite if you are wealthy, noble or famous? Maybe. But indeed, elite encompasses all people possessing special abilities. The elite has special obligations toward the community in accordance with the old slogan ’noblesse oblige‘ - nobility (elite) obligates.
In other words, not resting on one’s laurels or egomaniacally squandering money for private activities but taking an active part in shaping a better future for the people.
We need a new elite assuming responsibility in every country. They are crucial for sound politics.
Rule 20
End the leader cult. Excellent teams.
The fixation of most political systems on a Great Leader capable of knowing and understanding everything with no time limit on his or her rule is frighteningly reminiscent of the naive loyalty to the king of our great grandfathers in the 19th century. This seems grotesque and dangerous.
New politics need a competent, creative and committed team, not a substitute king whom we pay homage to as subjects.
We do not need a new leader, but a strong, broadly based team of movers and shakers featuring different talents complementing each other.
Rule 21
Optimism is a Duty. Cancel doomsday.
Can we shape the future positively with doomsday thinking? Fear is the tool of all totalitarians. History clearly shows that negative thinking leads to fear, hasty actions and polarising aggressiveness. It creates tunnel vision, distracts from other important issues and demotivates citizens. Optimism is therefore a duty.
Rule 22
Institutionalise the engines of creativity.
At the heart of a successful Policy 4.0 is the rapid and comprehensive activation of creativity at all levels of policy making encompassing parties, parliaments, governments and administrations.
Permanent openness to new developments is the lifeblood of vibrant democracies. This is the only way to achieve great advances required to revitalise democracies worldwide. There can be no sound and sustainable policy without creativity. Creativity is the trump card. If it is missing, democracy fails.
We must therefore build strong engines of creativity into the political enterprise and break the traditional blockade against managing and utilizing new developments.
Rule 23
Ensure maximum freedom for a sustainable human rights policy.
Freedom and respect for human rights are paramount. Both are core elements of humanity, the cornerstone of better politics, and peace on earth.
If we want to preserve a humane world for the survival of democracies and freedom, the political oxygen to all of us, we must pursue an active and effective human rights and freedom policy both internally and externally. We tend to make a big mistake: We take freedom for granted, as if it were the air we breathe. In reality, we could gradually lose it if we do not fight for freedom every day.
Policy 4.0 must safeguard freedoms and human rights at home and promote them abroad.
Rule 24
Risk more democracy.
Install our Democracy Network Mission Future for broad discussions with your party member and the thousands of people.
Iceland and Taiwan are best practices how to better integrate the people. Using the internet to connect them with politics in a new tool of more democratic discussion and participation.
We have developed a state-of-the-art Democracy Network Mission Future - details here.
