There have been many articles and much analysis about the recent Brexit vote, European and worldwide implications. The thing that struck me as extraordinary was the complete lack of political leadership in the face of the result. Suffice to say that Great Britain isn’t coming across as all that great these days.
I always think that when people are stridently campaigning for an outcome, they must have a firm belief that it is the right outcome or the best possible solution to a problem. So naturally I was surprised when the vote narrowly in favour of Britain leaving the EU seemed to come as a complete shock to almost everyone who was in favour of it. Not a single person had anything to say after the result that suggested that there was any realistic strategy or plan for what to do next.
Perhaps this was the fault of the electorate and press who didn’t push harder for an answer to “Tell us how would this all work and how would we proceed?” instead of just letting the two factions naysay each other. Nevertheless it’s inconceivable to me that none of the senior British politicians, regardless of view, had an action plan other than, apparently, resign or step back and leave it to someone else.
This isn’t leadership.
Leadership is hanging in to support your team, even when (or especially when) things aren’t going your way. In times of crisis, people are looking for someone to take charge of the situation – leaders do that.
Leadership is managing risk, trying to make sure the work you do is staying on track, and preparing for what to do if things go off track, so you are ready for whatever happens.
Leadership is putting your head down and getting back to work and helping your team refocus and get back to work to solve the problem. It’s assigning tasks, calming fears, providing direction and demonstrating that there is no need to panic.
Leadership is being realistic and pragmatic, recognizing that you can’t control everything, and looking for a way forward that takes that into account. It’s making difficult decisions and sometimes doing hard things.
Leaders step up in times of crisis – they can be politicians or firefighters, platoon sergeants or retail workers, technical analysts or social workers. They don’t run away, they don’t wave their hands in helplessness, they don’t whine and complain. They get to work.
