https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dave-baigent-a1259a3a_leadership-integrity-politics-activity-7348212020543995904-edWS?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAhF_i4B627dEosnojuiVg33bfnkV4wwCH0

in response to
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mike-summerell-46358b36_leadership-integrity-politics-activity-7348066801206902784-GeQL?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAhF_i4B627dEosnojuiVg33bfnkV4wwCH0

I am an avid follower of your writing Mike Summerell. I hope that you recognise this critique for what it is: an attempt to unpack what most people would probably nod their head at and agree with.
To admit to getting things wrong is possible but not too often. A change in direction needs careful planning. Renewal, in politics is more likely to come at election time, not during a reign.
Leaders are almost required to
‘Protect the party
Manage the optics’
That is what they were chosen to do. The toxic part of their reaction is how they do it.
‘Shifting the blame’ and ‘Self-promote or spin,’ are one option. When deflection is the strategy, then that is avoidable.
As you suggest, it would be refereshing if leaders could,
‘Listen. Find out the truth. Act on it.’ But, even in your wildest dreams, can you imagine Trump or Starmer doing that? Although having said that, under pressure both actually have changed some of their policies. but this was over politics, not morals.
Looking back, Corbyn stood on a platform to actually, ‘Prioritise transparency, integrity, and the public good.’ He failed! Now he is planning a new party and it will be interesting to see if his approach changes.
To be parochial, the fire service has lived with an elephant in the room, since at least the 1980’s.
Despite being a very visible elephant. Despite much hand ringing. Despite enquiries, conferences, reports and proclamations, it has failed to provide equality in any real terms. There is still a culture of bullying and harassment.
When Graham Meldrum was appointed HMCIF in 19**, it was said he only got that job because he had a mission to support women and minorities. And he tried. He tried so hard. Yet, like Corbyn, he never made it! Why was that? That is, the as yet unanswered question.
Leanne Allen
Janette Morris
Dr Jason Price
Lydia Wilcox MPA
Culture on Fire