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Political leadership – when there are no winners

By Gary Neat - posted Friday, 28 October 2011


Witness the collapse of the core supporter base of the major parties. It was once their bedrock – unshifting, immoveable – and taken for granted. But, voter volatility is now rampant and woe-behold any government faced with a by-election in such times.

Still, in the age of the 24 hour news cycle and the social media phenomenon are we expecting too much of our leaders? If it was as simple as delivering a strong economy, peace and low unemployment then few of our leaders in the past 20-years would have ever lost office.

Regrettably, the political leadership game in 2011 is essentially about making yourself a small target whilst at the same time creating a positive aura. Yes, a bit like trying to read in the dark without a light!

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If business leaders imagine they've got it tough, try existing in the daily heat of politics. Resilience is essential for any good leader, but in politics you need it armour-plated. Then there's the remuneration, which despite the almost life and death decision-making, is poor by corporate standards. Family life is fractured. A truism is that everyone wants something from you. It's draining and unforgiving.

A political leader in 2011 has multiple audiences including rabid party apparatchiks, so-called allies who covet your job, an increasingly dysfunctional and headline-obsessed media, shock jocks paid more than you yet who must be pandered to, the blogosphere and of course an ever fickle public.

Trust is rarely extended or received in politics. Leadership, always a lonely sport, is exemplified in politics by its sheer loneliness. Why bother you ask? Well, that's a question you'll never get a straight answer to in politics. Suffice to say that depending on the individual it's a mix of hubris, vaulting ambition, idealism and a personal agenda you'll probably never uncover.

My local member, a seemingly idealistic first termer, letterboxed me this month with his 4-page electorate newsletter. Not much content really unless you count his eye-popping 17 personal photographs. No lack of hubris there! You can't buy credibility, but you can throw it away.

From experience, most politicians secretly carry a fantasy field Marshall's baton in their backpack. The aphrodisiac of ministerial limousine leather is intoxicating for many and can inspire the same obsequious behaviour found in many a corporate office. One state backbencher I once knew would mow his leader's lawns to ingratiate himself. Sadly, it worked!

As we spiral downwards in political credibility, perhaps we need to collectively examine where we're heading with our democratic fundamentals and our communication industry.

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For Example:

· How do we create an enhanced political environment to facilitate not only better leaders, but also a system that nurtures young politicians away from the grasping and degenerative hold of the party machines? Is Westminster still the most appropriate forum in the 21st century for Australia? Has the compulsory voting system outlived its original purpose? Do we really need Upper Houses in our state parliaments? Should the Governor General or another body have greater sway and retribution over parliamentary behaviour and performance?

· The-24 hour news cycle and the social media revolution have changed forever how we acquire information. Good communication can enhance relationships, good government and society in general. But, manipulative communication can trivialise issues and undermine the very fabric of that same society. The more persuasive – and that should but doesn't currently include our political leaders – can use media either to improve society or to ridicule. How do we limit the 'cowboys' and their penchant towards instant headlines without verification?

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About the Author

Gary Neat is a former National President of the Australian Institute of Management, a Behavioural Strategist and Company Chairman, a former Political and Foreign Correspondent and the Campaign Director of 20+ election campaigns. He also has a Masters Degree in International Management.

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Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

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