"Mamma mia, here we go again!” Maybe that’s what you’re saying if you live in Whistler, care about our national institutions, and observed the Tories [on Feb. 2] elect their fifth leader in seven years.
Given the high concentration of leaders in the Sea to Sky community in the corporate, non-profit, faith, and political worlds, what lessons can we learn from the Conservatives’ rollercoaster ride?
No one likes instability. Each time an organization switches leaders, there is confusion with the new adjustments. But the story’s not all bad. Give the Conservatives credit for transparency and accountability. Of all the parties in Parliament, theirs is the only one that adopted the Reform Act, which provides Caucus members a specific path for challenging and replacing a leader. Adopting the act was risky business but doing so is consistent with a party that prides itself on its commitment to free thought and free speech.
Lessons learned for all leaders? I see at least two.
Firstly, no organization should put all its eggs in the basket of one person’s public profile. The tendency in Canada is to load disproportionate importance on the antics or looks of one leader, instead of diffusing the role among a leadership team. Cabinets have diminished in importance with the rise of the Prime Minister’s Office and social media feeds off people’s obsession with personality cults. Great organizations are led by groups of people, even if circumstances dictate that one of those be “primus inter pares”—first among equals. Pushing several leaders into the spotlight facilitates the best gifts from a wider pool and mitigates the risk if one person fumbles.
Secondly, every organization—company, non-profit, faith group, or political party— needs a clear sense of values. Those lacking a clear, values-driven identity are doomed to focus exaggerated attention on the leader and his or her peccadilloes. As Jim Collins demonstrates in his influential books on business organization, the companies distinguished by clear values, with leaders who avoid the limelight, are the ones “built to last.” The Conservatives need a galvanizing values statement that promotes the strength of the individual and the right of equal opportunity for all to achieve their objectives in life. Consistent with Tory traditions, the statement should acknowledge responsibility to give back to our community more than we receive. It should articulate the importance of individual excellence and community responsibility, together to foster a sustainable society.
Finally, those who care about good leadership in Canadian society—in and out of politics—are driven by this week’s events to acknowledge once again, “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” Imagine the toll this debacle has imposed on Erin O’Toole, his wife Rebecca, and their two children, Molly and Jack. Leadership is fraught with uncertainty and strife. Even when we disagree with our leaders, we are all human; let’s remember that.
John Weston ran in the last election as the Conservative candidate for West Vancouver- Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country. He previously served the riding as MP from 2008 to 2015.
