It was not ‘Bullygate’ !
March 02nd 2010
The last week was dominated by the alleged behaviour of the inhabitants of No.10 Downing Street. The newspapers had a field day as there is no better story than one which has no collaboration. It can be developed and embellished to the author's desire and political stance. I think most people now agree that whatever happened was not bullying but probably pretty unpleasant behaviour to the average person's taste. But I never cease to be astonished by how dreadfully politicians get on- and particularly with their own party colleagues.
This latter aspect of bad behaviour was highlighted towards the end of the week by Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, when describing the political reaction to his comment about the current recession being the worst for 60 years. Number 10 was not happy about this accurate prediction, the opposition sought to underline the differences between Gordon and Alistair. We students of history can affirm that the relationship between Number 10 and H.M. Treasury is usually one of tension and not always the creative type. Mrs Thatcher famously installed her own ‘shadow chancellor in Number 10 - the monetarist Sir Alan Walters- to keep Nigel Lawson under review!
Although it is harmless fun to observe the political classes as they approach a General Election, a serious point about leadership does emerge from this rather humorous spectacle. Those of us in leadership positions, whether political or Third Sector, have a solemn responsibility to the organisation which has put its trust in us.
Leaders should not get confused between their ego and their role; we all need people to affirm our actions and give us the confidence to continue. But we should never act in a way which brings our organisation into disrepute. This echoes with something I remember from the staff handbook! Leaders do still set examples which others follow. Next time we feel like a temper tantrum, let us remember it can send a chain reaction throughout our organisations.
Brian L. Strevens (01/03/10)
Contributers Brian Strevens (Director of the Institute) and Francis Davis (Director of Policy) will endeavour to update this blog on a weekly basis and plan to submit their blogs on alternate weeks where possible.