6 Leadership Lessons From The World of Politics
Being a politician might seem like an easy life and at the same time, just like leading in organisations, there are some major challenges.
So what can we learn about leadership from politics?
- Ever notice how politicians are always full of counter arguments and highly critical when in opposition? Yet when they get into power it is a very different story. The truth is that, for any leader, it is easier to come up with problems than solutions.
- Here in the UK there is a massive drive to reform public services. While everyone wants the best from public services, there are very different views on the best ways to achieve this. Ultimately, achieving change is tough and about changing hearts and minds.
- Of course you cannot be rigid in your plans. At the same time, if you keep chopping and changing you create doubt whether you know what you are doing.
- Leaders need followers and a fair proportion of them need to be major supporters or raving fans. Sometimes when you take bold action and things don’t work out just as you had hoped, people accelerate at pace in the opposite direction.
- From time to time you are going to have to take big decisions. The key is to seek views, opinions and really listen before you take major decisions.
- Any leader, whatever area they work in, has to make choices. Sometimes your choices will be fully embraced and other times they will be opposed. This is just reality as people see things from their own perspective. Your challenge is to make what you consider to be the best choices and then stand firm when the going gets tough.
Lesson 1: Putting Up Counter Arguments Is Easy
Lesson 2: Achieving Change Is Tough
Lesson 3: Chopping And Changing Creates Doubt
Lesson 4: You Can Quickly Lose Raving Fans
Lesson 5: Listen Before You Take Big Decisions
Lesson 6: It Is All About Choices
The Bottom Line: Leading, whether in business or in politics, is a major challenge.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to become highly effective leaders and managers. He invites you to take advantage of his free audio e-course Leadership Success at www.goalsandachievements.co.uk
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.