We are in an age of moral outrage:
- Our institutions have betrayed us.
- Our foods and our environment make us sick.
- We are being run ragged by social media.
- There are serious threats to our families and homes.
The world is a dangerous place!
Who would want the exposure of leadership when there is so much at risk and so many ways in which to fail? As leaders, it’s so easy to feel that we are fighting a losing battle.
In fact, there has never been a time when leadership is more in demand.
As leaders we need to understand the world, get clarity and make a plan. Above all, we need to be calm and peaceful:
If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs… Rudyard Kipling
Can we really be betrayed by our institutions? Well, in as much as we rely on churches and banks to keep their promises—basically to treat their believers and customers with care and respect. True, both have performed dismally, but does that change who we are? No. Nor does the parlous state of our political parties.
None of these institutions has a mandate on survival. We can keep our eyes on our values and behave with integrity as we always have done, or have tried to do. As leaders, we set the standard and speak up for what is right and call out the poor behaviours of others when we see it. Corrupt institutions will face the music and their followers will decide whether they survive.
Are our food and medicines actually harming us? There are more reports of allergies than ever. Eczema, hay fever and allergic asthma are on the rise, as is the “allergic triad” of all three. There is also a greater tendency to food allergies, allergic conjunctivitis and gluten sensitivity. At the extreme, these can be fatal for those who experience anaphylaxis in response to food or environment. Despite the overwhelming evidence in support of immunisation, some people feel they know better and would rather opt out, putting themselves, their children and others at risk.
Let’s listen to the science and act with consideration and logic. Our access to medical services, technology and research findings have never been better. Public health revolutions, like anti-smoking measures, are doing wonders. Relax.
Is social media doing more bad than good? Bad news travels the fastest and last the longest. With the universal access to publishing enabled by social media, this is more so than ever. In fact, causing the sensation—true or false, monumental or trivial—it will be up there for at least a little while, last long enough to cause damage and remain forever in the ether world. What is a blessing for the previously unempowered, may become a cruel weapon against the innocent.
We certainly need to find the balance between making things known and knowing. We do not need to make ourselves unconditionally and unceasingly available. Treat the messages with skepticism. Don’t fall for the victimhood pleas. Turn off the appliance, regularly.
Our families and homes are as strong as we make them. Explain ourselves—be clear on our values and our intent in any given conflict and articulate these clearly and often. Be clear about our goals. In all situations, make our intent clear and seek to understand the other party in a dispute. Demand the same of others.
Consider what resources we need. Consider who to work with for mutual benefit. Make a strategy. Plan to win without conflict. Ensure that we are the best we can be. Admit our wrong-doings. Don’t hang on to regret or seek revenge—both will do us more harm than to others. Be generous and give unconditionally. You can’t spend too much time and attention on those you love.
Let’s get a grip.
Leadership makes an assessment of the risks. Leadership makes the world understandable. Leadership makes the future inspirational. Let’s exercise leadership instead of reaching for the panic button.
The world is no more dangerous than it ever was. 6