As I write this, the UK is in the throws of a political maelstrom. Our ruling administration is a minority Government. It has been pursuing an ideological agenda so extreme it has prompted economic crises, the like of which we have not seen in decades. The leaders we need are not the ones we have. And that is not me making a political point. My evidence comes from the international money markets, the Financial Times, the Economist and even “the Leader of the Free World” commenting in recent days.
It is difficult for all concerned. A new Prime Minister who had to cope with the death of not only the monarch, but a living legend who had become the longest (and many would say, most skilled) monarch in history. This robbed an inexperienced leader of a crucial advisor and nurturing “boss”. This new Prime Minister was in post having been voted for by allegedly only 0.12% of the UK population. That is hardly a mandate for change. And yet she took the opportunity to introduce sweeping economic reform against the advice of many experts. The result? She is out of the post within the month. A chaotic display. Not only difficult for her, but also for the UK Government – and those of the principalities too.
The leaders EVERYBODY needed
To be clear, it has been hardest for those affected by the proposed cuts. For example, those on low incomes, receiving inflation-affected benefits. Also, those unable to afford increasing fuel bills, due to the UK’s reliance on insecure and expensive foreign gas, coal and oil rather than investing in renewables which could yield so many benefits for the economy and for the environment. Certainly small businesses will find rising costs price them out of the market unless they trim their margins to near-pointless levels. The industries already struggling to bounce back after covid’s worst impact will find it particularly hard. Everyone except those part of Government’s small cabal of ideologues at the heart of the changes worried that the impact would be potentially devastating. Not only that, but devastating for perhaps millions of people.
And yet. And yet she pursued her path of choice. Was it leadership, sticking to her inspired vision? Was it leadership, demonstrating strength and determination? Or was it simply hubris?
Leadership and Lemmings
In fact, the ultimate cause of the resignation of the Prime Minister was a fundamental failure of leadership: a lack of trust. She lost the trust of the voting public, shown in a poor poll showing in opinion polls. She also lost the trust of the ruling party because of the chaos of “the mini-budget that wasn’t” and all the subsequent humiliating U-turns. Not only that, but the pursuit of personal ideology over party loyalty and centuries of tradition cost the support of the Party faithful within Parliament. In addition, there had been a complete failure to woo and listen to the key parts of the UK community normally stalwart in their loyalty to the Party, the business sector.
The leadership that was needed, was not in evidence. Instead, there was much defiance. She introduced repair measures only grudgingly when it was clear support was waning by the minute. What could have looked like strong leadership to some, now looked like weakness, to all. And none of it looked like leadership. Rather than leading her party to victory, it looked and felt (according to back bench MPs) that she was leading them over a cliff to their electoral doom. One MP actually likened them to lemmings.
The leaders we need
Now that there is to be yet another new Prime Minister in the UK , we need to look at we need from the new candidates:
- First, they need to understand that leadership is not a position, but it is a process, based on trust which has to be earned.
- Next, they need to understand voters elect them deliver against promises. They need to keep those promises.
- Thirdly, they need to remember that their leadership decisions affect the WHOLE country, not simply a small cabal of the rich and privileged few. And actually this really does matter; it is cheaper to empower people to work than to spend millions cracking down on perceived benefit fraud. Now is an excellent time to remember the Victorian and Edwardian philanthropists, who saw it as their moral duty to help those less fortunate than themselves. The Cadburys and the Rowntrees are two ready examples whose influence lasts through the generations to this day. In other words, leadership for the many, not the few.
- Further, they need to listen. This key leadership skill appears to have been forgotten in recent years. And that goes for politicians from across the political spectrum. Notice what is going on for the country – all of the country. Flex ideology to fit the needs, not the demands. Listening and responsiveness are key to leadership.
- Lastly (in this list, but we could go on … and on) it is important that the new leader/s restore confidence. They need to build confidence in their own political party. They need to build confidence in the UK economy and its ability to deliver on the world stage. Additionally, they need to build confidence in the electorate that politicians can be trusted. See 1) above.
Leadership can only exist when there are people willing to be led. The demise of the recent Prime Minister shows us that, when people are no longer willing to be led, whatever you think you’re doing, it isn’t leadership!
After leading high performing teams for over 30 years, I have seen the good, the bad and the downright ugly in terms of “leadership”. It has to be said that this term has often been used euphemistically. I now consult in this space specifically to encourage my clients to pursue an ethical policy from the initial starting point of “First, do no harm“.
If you have found this blog of interest and would like to explore how I might be able to help improve the leadership success of your senior leaders, please get in touch and let’s talk.
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