Clarity? Yes. But it will take courage from the PM to avoid big problems ahead
Andy Burhnam’s first couple of weeks as PM have been fascinating to observe. His ability to quickly pick a side in areas where his predecessor had to be cajoled into interventions has been genuinely impressive. While his words are just that at the moment – words – there has been real clarity in his storytelling, his prioritisation of the policy areas he wants to address and his own diagnosis of the root of the country’s many strategic problems. Social care, the cost of energy, Ukraine, vocational education, devolution, assisted dying, mental health provision: they’ve all had an airing in the first fortnight.
I agree with him on some of what he’s said so far and profoundly disagree in other areas. It would be a harsh critic however, who wouldn’t admire the way in which he’s clarified and articulated his arguments, not least because he’s always faced criticism for being flexible with his beliefs.
But with that early clarity – absolutely essential in a new leader needing to create rapid improvement – brings new pressure and the need for lots of courage to turn clear ideas into practical reality.
His job is not an easy one and he will be under no illusions that this honeymoon period will last. Already, there are rumblings of discontent from some of his own MPs who as a group, remember, did not place a challenger in his way to 10 Downing Street, and an initial boost in the opinion polls seems to have fizzled out.
Some are uncomfortable at the tightness of Burnham’s top team, others concerned at a lack of consultation or opportunity for parliamentary scrutiny, still more worry about how these new, clear policies will be paid for. There are also, and I pick up on this where I live, those who are either confused or irritated by the poster-childing of Greater Manchester or ‘the North’ as a blueprint for the future of the entire United Kingdom. I know I’m not the only one who bristles that Number 10 North, which purports to better represent ‘the North’ at the heart of government, sits in a city in the middle of England, several hundred miles south of the north of Britain.
As a new leader, clarity of purpose and vision alone isn’t good enough. Because if the clear direction you’re setting is different from the last guy’s, that means lots of real change will need to happen for that direction to become reality. That means tough decisions, hard conversations, criticism from those who disagree or are particularly loyal to who or what has come before, and taking on vested interests. That takes courage.
Many leaders have clarity of purpose and are able to communicate it. The best ones have the courage to see it through with a credibility that turns that clear purpose into reality. I wish the new PM well but it remains to be seen whether he’s got the courage and credibility to turn a brilliantly clear vision into practical reality. Either way, there will be lessons for all leaders over the next few months.
Now, while I’m unlikely to be PM any time soon – Mark’s Britain will need to remain a distant dream for now, although many colleagues over the years have been told what’d be at the top of my first 100 days policy priorities (banning sweetcorn) – I’ve felt the exposure, uncertainty, over-thinking, scrutiny and accountability all leaders need to deal with, and it all started for me quite early in my career.
I have had lots of experience of shouldering the clarity, courage and credibility needed to make impact. Some of it worked well, some of it less so.
That’s why I now work with leaders who are wrestling with finding the clarity, courage and – ultimately – the credibility they need to succeed. Whether you’re trying to rewire an entire country or trying to make your mark as a brand new leader in your organisation, I can help.
Drop me a line at mark@markmacdonald.org.uk for a conversation to explore how I can support you.