Change is the way of life. However, real equations are set by which decision-making domains are controlled by which leadership
We are living in a universe which is changing in more fundamental ways than we realise. Among the most significant changes taking place is in the domain of identity of an individual; the family; gender relationships. The list can be added on.
Equally significant changes are taking place in the organisational life and the collective domain of the society. Obviously people with charismatic traits or ability to significantly maneuver are in control.
They get away because the majority keeps quite. Those who can speak are labeled and side tracked or worse. This is not good for anyone. The nation states, the corporate world, governance processes, academic institutions have had their own share of triumphant individuals who know how to have their way.
There is a statement attributed to Edmund Burke “the only (thing) necessary for the triumph of evil is for good man to do nothing”. Initially the articulate or the maneuvering leader cashes in on emotions and aspirations of the people. He also plays on their fears and anxiety.
Unless he is truly wise, he covers all this in the name of managing ‘risks’ or setting the ethical equilibrium right. Eventually, a good number of right thinkers get chased away and small coteries emerge.
US presidential hopeful Donald Trump, according to some, is a good example of doing this at the national level, he chose David Riden to be his henchman in the Republican National Convention.
Reportedly, he warned the Americans of the possibility of a need to attack with assault weapons and bombs in the nation’s capital and elsewhere; further, he insisted that leaders in the US who violated the Constitution may have to be done away with. Another prominent supporter is CA Bailey. He was, as reported, already indicted for charges related to weapons and child pornography. His 75 acres gated compound had a subterranean room stocked with grenades, tear gas and illegal machine guns.
This model is attempted to be replicated by some in organisations or in a family or a social conglomerate. It always back fires — though it may take time.
Sometimes it is topped up by high flown philosophy. American philosopher Richard Rorty in 1997 had indicated that people start talking of systems failure and why sting vigilance and strong men are required. The atmosphere he pleaded would be for eliminating “the smudge bureaucrats, tricky lawyers, over paid bond sales man and post-modernist professors…..”
Decision-making process are usurped by a few because many stick to their comfort zone. There is no substitute for structured and genuine communications where the most committed and diligent people don’t have to retire to their shell because hot winds of harshness. It is the responsibility of everyone to keep sanity and good judgment alive and active.
Parts of India and many corporate are passing through such crises — amongst several others. The saving grace is of course that there are many good people still in key positions. They, through their wait for proactive decision-making and genuine collective code, tilt the scale in favour of sanity. However, real equations are set by which decision-making domains are controlled by which type of leadership.
Kashmir is a good example of how a small percentage of people can occupy such large mental spaces. The Reserve Bank of India is yet another brilliant example of how monitory policies are handled in a reductionist manner to radiate uncertainty in so many intermediately financial institutions.
There is little hope of a turnabout unless a system is created where the organisation objectives are protected by those who genuinely care and do not believe in strong arm tactics. One of the most successful rulers of this country was Ashok who was credited with having an iron fest in a velvet glove.
Velvet is important because at the end of the day everyone is also an emotional existence. The way a collective answers this question is the essence of the successful survival and growth of any entity.
To deny it, is to deny the basic truth of life which is the sun neither rises in the west nor sets in the west it is the earth which rotates around the sun!