In the news, Inside Track, July 2011
The Arab Spring
Reading Sherard Cowper-Coles recent memoir ‘Cables from Kabul’ shows the intensity of diplomatic life in its most important role. The issues are of life and death and require leadership on an international scale against a problem of great complexity. I witnessed glimpses of this as a consultant at the embassy in Kabul. The memoir shows the deep frustration in efforts to herd the international community (notably the US) into common positions and policies.
Looking at wider developments on the international scene, the events of the Arab Spring must be grist to the chaos theorist’s mill. The failings of many of the Arab regimes under threat comes from years of political suppression and dictators who are wholly out of touch with their people. I can’t help but reflect on what this means for leaders in organisations.
Contrast those in their plush offices surrounded by flattering layers of cotton wool, with those who really tune into the people in their organisations. Increasingly the latter use their personal blogs to show how they are thinking and to elicit feedback (I’ve seen some of this with a few clients and on occasion the feedback is pretty brutal); they get themselves out and about, feeling the pulse of their organisation; their leadership moves to a higher level as they tune into the emotional resonances of their organisation.
