Politics which polarise
The news of the last couple of months has been dominated by the US Presidential election which, of course, has implications not just for those who live there but for many others around the world. It is the inter-connected nature of the global world we live in that means that choices outside of our control can impact us all in profound ways.
One of the most troubling things to me (Andy), and something that is not peculiar to US politics, is the polarisation of opinion and the speed at which leaders demonise those they disagree with.
I don’t think it is far from reality to suggest that the vast majority of people in the US want pretty much the same things for themselves, their families and their communities – peace, opportunity, connection and justice. Yet, the political discourse suggests that there is hardly any common ground on which to build. I know from friends who live in the US that many families aren’t able to hold good conversations around political beliefs because of the polarisation that has been created.
What kind of public leadership do we need then? I suggest that the ability to listen well; to hear those who see things differently and to dig deeper than simply the prevailing rhetoric is the first essential. The second is the ability to bring people with differing views and perspectives together in order to find the common ground we hold as part of a shared humanity. Thirdly, to offer our views with respect and in a spirit of wanting the best for all people, so creating a place for true dialogue to occur.
When those characteristics of listening, building collaboration and disagreeing respectfully are evidenced in any leader, political or otherwise, the context in which they lead is more likely to be a healthy place where people feel they belong and want to give of their best.
When leaders polarise, everyone loses. When leaders listen, collaborate and disagree respectfully there is at least some chance of moving towards a better future.
Reflection
How do I tend to react when faced with disagreement?
What can I do to listen more deeply?
What could greater collaboration look like?