Whilst digesting the new state of play in UK politics over the weekend with many thought provoking articles, radio and television programmes it struck me that our Prime Minister can not have a Mentor(s). If she does then she needs to replace them!
The art of mentoring provides guidance and hindsight on a path previously trodden which, in my opinion, is paramount when taking on the role of running a country and calling a general election. The problem is, I imagine, Mrs May, our Prime Minister, could possibly perceive this as seeking ‘help’, and like so many arrogant others in positions of high levels of responsibility see this as weakness.
In fact, had she taken a humble moment or two, she would have gained some insight as to how to run her office at Number Ten, which by all accounts was appalling, and begs to ask the question, ‘If you can’t ensure the smooth efficient running of your office what hope do you have with a country?’
Great leaders take into consideration what has and has not worked previously; perhaps add a personal ingredient to a working formula, but most importantly they understand how to extract the best from different characters with a variety of expertise, not create an arena breeding discontent, u-turn policy decisions and poor planning. Pre-empting the defensive responses; delegation not abdication. The buck stops with you Mrs May.
My advice as a Professional Business Mentor is to lay the ‘know it all’ attitude aside, become inquisitive with your predecessors, leaders in Industry and wrap the hindsight you get from them into your plan of action whilst listening to and remaining aware of your full team around you and then stick to that plan.
Is there a mentoring scheme in the House of Commons?