Opinion: It takes a good listener to become a good leader
© Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock Since when did the UK lose its democracy, something previously envied by societies around the world, in places where dictators run amok?
This is the question I have recently been asking as politicians change direction on a whim, with no concern for gaining public support.
This has never been truer than with the almost daily U-turns by the Truss administration, the impact of which will be felt by people and businesses for years to come.
See also: How leadership training can help secure the future of farming
About the author
This heedless method of leadership is not unique to our government. Unions, levy bodies, assurance schemes and even agricultural shows, appear to be making decisions by the few rather than the many.
While I agree, at times, too many cooks can spoil the broth, these groups and organisations are at the heart of our agriculture communities.
Decisions need to be made with considerate consultation, bringing forward views and representations from a wide range of individuals, ensuring the outcome is best for all involved, and not just those with big egos in the top seats.
As regional chairman for NFU Scotland Dumfries and Galloway, I feel it is my duty to not take forward my views, but those of my farming members, and indeed their families, the people that work with or for them, right through to the organisations that are linked to farming within the region.
My phone line is always open and, while the conversations can be challenging, the views expressed are always given credence.
For me, democracy is not about power, ego or status.
It is about demonstrating good leadership, ensuring everyone has a voice, and then taking those collective views to guide individuals, organisations and political bodies, so we continue to develop and improve our industry.
Most importantly, forming a collective responsibility for any decisions made.
Back in 2018, I completed the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme, a course that helped me better understand the skills needed.
While a willingness to listen was always something I valued and understood, I was under the false impression that leadership was all about doing things for others.
Through the training and coaching sessions, I learned that good leadership is not about pleasing everyone.
At times, it is about making firm decisions that give clear direction, can demonstrate strength, reassurance and focus, and also gain respect.
Leadership is also about being accessible and open to all ideas and conversations, however difficult they might be.
During the Queen’s recent passing, we watched as former prime ministers excelled in delivering exceptional eulogies that reflected on their memories of the monarch.
And yet when they were at the helm, they lacked integrity, trust and direction. Where was their leadership when it was most required?
We cannot escape the news, nor our own bills and costs – the UK is facing a tough time, and there is no end in sight.
We cannot control these rising costs, the ever-changing weather, or commodity markets.
But we can change how we manage and interact with the people in our businesses and communities, and we can ensure we keep to our democratic values and allow everyone to have a seat at the table – not just those leading from the front.
In the words of Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: “A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves.”