What does the UK stand for?
Simon Hayward
Professor of Leadership Practice, Alliance Manchester Business School. Author, The Agile Leader & Connected Leadership.
It’s time to re-examine our values as a society
Since the EU referendum, there has been a noticeable absence of discussion of what we stand for as a country. What does Britain mean to the world? Where is the articulation of what makes us a nation of people with strong principles that we believe in, that we will fight to protect, such as freedom, respect for every individual, personal and collective responsibility for each other, and a deep compassion for people of every race as we seek to create a better world?
Speaking at Tuesday’s Brexit debate in parliament, veteran Tory MP Ken Clarke questioned where populism and extremism will take the UK next. We need to explain what we stand for and articulate our role in the world, so that the space we want to inhabit is clear. We need a vision for how we live, how we work with each other and with people from other countries. What can others rely on the British for? Should they, for example, be confident that we will always stand up against bullies and tyrants? Should they believe we will protect the rights of people to be free, to think and speak independently, and to live in safety from oppression and harm? Should they assume we believe in scientific progress for the benefit of humankind?
The alternative, if we cannot explain what we stand for, is for others to see us as confused - torn between the ‘glories’ of the past and possible riches through realpolitik. Will the UK be marginalised as a nation locked in the past, a country without principles, open to the highest bidder in order to maintain a certain level of prosperity?
The Queen, who maintains a neutral stance on politics, recently highlighted the importance of “coming together to seek out the common ground”. Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May have finally met in private for what has been described as a ‘serious and engaged’ discussion. It’s not too late for our political leaders to steer us away from confusion and towards compassion and collective responsibility.
I'd love to hear your views on this, or on my last post, What is the UK’s future vision? Please post a comment below or tweet me at @simonjhayward.
Professor of Leadership Practice, Alliance Manchester Business School. Author, The Agile Leader & Connected Leadership.
6 年Thanks for all your messages. I hoped to raise one or two questions about identity and values, so your views are entirely relevant.
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6 年"Each generation is consumed with building sand castles which the tides of time soon wash away, clearing the beach just in time for the next "tourists" to start the process anew" - Neal A. Maxwell.? There is a serious unsteadiness in our country's stance in terms of morality, ethics, principles, values and behaviours.? As a people and a nation we have increasingly abandoned and neglected time honoured virtues that have proven through the centuries to keep us individually and collectively strong.? These problems are only symptomatic of many other problems we have as a people and nation.?? I guess the answer to your question depends upon who you ask! Politicians, business leaders, community leaders, mums, dads, grandparents and ordinary families across the nation like yours and mine.? As a nation we are collectively made up of? "ones".? Each of us has a role to play in safeguarding and strengthening our nation by standing up for something!? I am very concerned about the growth in racism, sexism, nationalism and the secularisation of society.? We all need to revisit our own personal values and live them daily, not just pay them lip service, but choose to act and not be acted upon...That goes too for many organisations who have refreshed their values and mission/vision statements in recent years - they need to live by them...? This is a good land, a great land even, with a glorious past and a very bright future - I'm an optimist!?
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6 年Great post Simon!! Well said!!!
Team Coach, Leadership Coach, Coach Supervisor, with a passion for supporting Extra-Dependent Teams and providing accredited coaching programmes to organisations.
6 年Thanks Simon for this. We need more contributions like this to help us lift our heads above the current divisive agendas and explore who we want to be - whatever happens next. Unfortunately our behaviours are reflecting values which I have never associated with this country - whatever it’s called.