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Lucy Phillips

Lucy Phillips

12 Sep 2008 | 16:28

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The importance of good leadership has come into the political spotlight more than ever over recent months. In times of uncertainty we look to our leaders for encouragement and guidance, but instead we have been presented with tales of infighting and plots to takeover. The polls even indicate that bringing back Tony Blair is the only way to increase Labour’s popularity and I’m sure the attractiveness of David Miliband is partly down to his similarities in style to the former PM. But is this a case of the public simply harking back to the good times (economically, at least, let’s not forgot about the divisive nature of the war in Iraq and the near meltdown of the party towards the end of Blair’s tenure) or is there a genuine recognition that right now we need a strong leader more than ever before?

My insight into the leadership styles of both Blair and Brown is somewhat limited, but recent events reminded me of something Alistair Campbell said at this year’s CIPD HRD conference. The former director of communications and strategy for Blair called his old boss one of the most impressive leaders of modern times. He said he was a natural communicator who trusted his staff to get on with their jobs. Compare this to the anecdotes about Brown being a control freak, as well as his lacklustre way of communicating. It therefore comes as little surprise that the nation –– and his own team – lack confidence in their PM in difficult times. David Cameron, like Blair, comes across as a natural communicator and the pair definitely have a charismatic edge that Brown lacks. (You can vote in our latest online poll about this very subject!) It will therefore be interesting to watch the outcome of the party conferences which take place later this month. The People Management news desk will be attending them so look out for articles in the magazine and online.

Leadership is also currently a massive issue on the other side of the Atlantic, as Americans prepare to decide on their next president. What I find most interesting is the importance both parties have placed on their choice of vice president. Was John Prescott or Harriet Harman ever the deciding factor in our elections? Sarah Palin on the other hand might well be. Is this because, as many of the commentators have so kindly put it – she is just one 72-year old’s heartbeat away from becoming president – or is it because she’s a woman and the American’s are ready for change?

A vote for Democrat Obama clearly spells change too – but is this all simply change for change’s sake? I urge the Americans to look beyond race and gender to their genuine leadership qualities. There’s no denying the next few years are going to be tough on an economic level and we don’t know what other new challenges the future holds. The role of the leader to support, guide and inspire their people has therefore never been more important.

After almost eight years with George Bush in charge, I genuinely feel the American people deserve change for the better. But I hope that their first black president or female vice president is voted in for the right reasons.
 
 

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Claire Churchard

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