I am writing this on New Year’s Eve, December 31st 2020, joining in what is probably a world-wide reflection on the past year and the fact that, for most, it was a shocker.
Does that mean, however, that it was a lost year, as some have described it? I would beg to differ. I think whatever life throws at you, offers you some “lovely learning” as a tutor of mine once said. This may sound worthy, but I am with Einstein, who apparently said that when you stop learning, you start dying.
So, what have I learned, on the basis of this reflection? Firstly, that I am a misanthrope, mistrustful of my fellow citizens as they have taken fewer anti-Covid precautions than me and who have on occasions been pretty aggressive about their right to infect me with the hidden dangers of the pandemic.
Secondly, despite my misanthropic viewpoint, I have come to realise with fervent gratitude that there really ARE some truly wonderful people out there, and I am thankful they exist and do what they do so splendidly. NHS workers at all levels, carers and social workers, teachers, police, bin collectors, voluntary sector key workers, fire fighters and even Service personnel, drafted in sometimes to provide reinforcements during the pandemic. All of these people and many more found themselves in the front line in the fight against the pandemic, and they did so voluntarily, unselfishly and bravely. Worth recognition with something more lasting and material than a few token-gesture claps, in my view.
Thirdly, I have learned that, sadly, my misanthropy is still well-placed, with the people who have still stolen, still harmed others, still acted appallingly to employees, still failed to lead on a catastrophic level and generally failed to behave decently to others throughout 2020. The incidence of domestic violence has risen and mental ill-health is at record levels – both these acute needs for state action have been exacerbated by pathetic levels of resourcing at a national level which has then been further whittled away at the local level. Some people have still scammed the vulnerable, exploiting older people’s lack of savvy when it comes to online. Some people have maintained their narrow racist, homophobic and misogynist views and promoted them ever wider because more lockdown time allowed more time to troll. And I am targeting my comments at national politicians as much as keyboard-warrior saddos. How sad that is even A Thing.
Fourth, and perhaps most importantly of all, I have found that all the trite verbiage about “the human spirit” from this past year may, just may, be true. I have seen better understanding between local residents previously riven by Brexit and other rival causes. I have seen better communication between organisations and their customers (“need to know” really streamlines those marketing puff emails). Most intriguingly, I have seen ordinary people envisage extraordinary things, and then achieve them – even exceed them in the case of Capt Sir Tom Moore and many other fundraisers throughout the year. A lot of people, doing great things quietly, without a massive impact, but doing what they could to make things a bit better for themselves and those around them. Often, I have seen this, either in person or via media, as someone embarrassedly shrugging and saying “well, it’s nothing really – you just do what you can”. And yet, doing what they could has meant the world to someone else. By doing something differently, checking what was needed to make the most immediate difference, being brave enough to give something a try, in the hope it would work but willing to accept if it didn’t … and then try something else again.
And what makes them prepared to keep on trying to succeed? For some, it may be indomitable spirit. For others, it could be blind, dogged, stubbornness. I am hopeful, however, that for some others, they have discovered their leadership capabilities – understanding that they could make life better for and with people. By believing that something is always possible, with lots of hard work, determination and joining forces with others, these latent leaders have created mini-miracles, across the UK and around the world, every day.
That’s a lovely thought and one that will sustain me through 2021, whatever it throws at us.
And if you know that you have that leadership talent within you, but you’re not too sure how to find it and let it out, I can help with that. We can have a chat, explore your ideas, and if you like how we work together, we can craft a plan to get you leading, succeeding and, most importantly, believing. Please get in touch to find out more.
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