Leaders, decisions and rules

Leadership is much in the news at the moment, especially with the upcoming election. This timely article reminds us that what we think we know about our greatest leaders – in this case Gandhi – is not always clear cut.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/thrill-of-the-chaste-the-truth-about-g...

It has reminded me that the worst way to make a political decision is because you’re seduced by the charisma of a particular person so that you act at their behest when you should be considering the facts. I think there’s a real case for saying that charisma is one of the most dangerous qualities anyone in politics – or any sort of leadership role – can have. Dangerous not for them of course, but for their followers. So many of us seem to have a need for our leaders to ‘show leadership’ – by which is usually meant a penchant for quick decision-making, excellent oratory and a sense of personal ‘rightness’. It’s interesting to think of all those leaders who showed just these qualities and caused chaos and mayhem in their wake. Give me the quiet, thoughtful, factual type any day when it comes to political or business decision-making.

Back to the article: one of the most telling quotes in it is this - ‘It seems that Gandhi lived as he wished, and only when challenged did he turn his own preferences into a cosmic system of rewards and benefits. Like many great men, Gandhi made up the rules as he went along.’

Isn’t that common to all of us though – making up the rules I mean?

Recently, a friend told me how she is very seriously considering a particular course of action which would turn her life upside down. She wants to walk away her business – which, thanks to the credit crunch, has eaten up all her capital and barely breaks even – and start afresh in Australia, marrying a man she’s only met a couple of times.

Now my personal ‘rules’ say that the lead I should offer on this is to be quite doubting, very concerned for her and generally play ‘devils’ advocate’. And, if anyone had asked me my views before this, I am sure I would have said, ‘Think twice and think again... are you really sure this is a good idea?’ and many such phrases all designed to express doubt without actually jumping up and down and saying ‘You’re bonkers’.

Principles are all very well in the abstract. In the reality, what I said was –‘Fantastic, go for it, there’s nothing here for you and you deserve this chance’. Why? Because I could see she was happy when she thought about packing it all in. Seeing her happy isn’t something I’ve seen much of over the past few years. And who knows – I certainly don’t – this could be absolutely the right way for her to go. This is a heart question, not one for the head.

She’s still thinking about it. But – and here’s the rub – whatever she decides to do I know I’ll support her. Even if that means making completely the opposite point to my initial one if she decides not to go. Bit like this blog posting.