Leadership a tough gig and the ‘dirt’ slingers inevitable

THERE are a lot of qualifications one needs to fulfil a leadership role, especially if that role is subject to public scrutiny such as politics.

At any given time, on average 40 per cent of the people are not going to agree with your decisions. Of those, at least 10 per cent will actually hate you.

If you stick to your guns because you are committed to your responsibilities, it is likely to be interpreted as arrogance by your detractors.

And if you back down, you are considered to be weak and ineffective by those who support you.

It’s hard to achieve a win-win situation.

The worst of it are the conspiracy theories, the allegations of corruption or inappropriate behaviour based on the flimsiest evidence or association.

Throw enough s--t and some of it is bound to stick. You don’t have to be guilty, it’s just necessary to create an environment where people believe you are.

Mayor Tom Tate has spent 12 months under a cloud of corruption charges.

As someone who has known Tom for 20 years, I know how this affected Tom and his family despite their knowledge of his innocence.

I was also witness to countless damaging conspiracy theories by people who made unsubstantiated assumptions.

While the presumption of innocence may be enshrined in law, it is clearly not impressed in the hearts of many people.

Tom has been cleared by the CCC and that should be the end of the matter, but it is unlikely his detractors will accept this outcome and I fully expect the conspiracy mill will be ramped up.

I am reminded of the letter by Sheelagh Storey (GCB, 6/4) where she possibly pre-empted the next round of conspiracy theories by suggesting that perhaps the CCC commissioner may give the mayor a “get out of jail free card”. Do I detect a little prejudice and desperation here?

Leadership is a tough gig that needs strong character and conviction to take on. Armchair critics need not apply, they can give but not take the pressures applied. BOB JANSSEN, GOLD COAST