The Absence of Leadership in Politics

The problems facing us in the world today stem from a tragic absence of leadership in public services. Whether at the municipal, regional, or national level, the issue is not primarily a lack of rules, but rather a lack of leadership. This difference determines whether we experience chaos or the fulfilment of promises.

 

I come from the world of business, having learned my printing craft in the UK and later moving to South Africa in the 1970s. This journey motivated me to move beyond working with tools and instead focus on leading people. In my book, 'it does matter', I share how I learned about leadership from mentors. Lacking formal academic credentials—no certificates or degrees—I had to learn on the job.

 

One sunny morning in East London, South Africa, I realised my desire to learn about leadership when my fellow printer, Dennis Bennett, told me over a mug of tea, "Alex, you could be a significant player in the printing industry—but only if you want to."

 

That conversation sparked a fire in me. I became determined to learn everything I could about running a printing business. In short, by 1995, I had become the CEO of Western Europe for the world's largest printing company, just 23 years after Dennis's challenge.

 

I share this story because, throughout my ascent in the business world, I never focused on rules. My priorities were simple: a) understanding the customer and striving to exceed their expectations, while also offering them more; b) supporting employees to help them improve, both collectively and individually; c) contributing to our local community to ensure our operations positively impacted the area where we lived.

 

Since I first retired 30 years ago—though I still find myself still trying to retire—I have become increasingly aware of the lack of leadership in the public sector.

 

It seems that a new malaise struck the public sector in the 1990s, spreading rapidly among those who wear the badge of a public servant. Many lose their ambition in exchange for a more comfortable work life and the promise of a better pension. This is quite peculiar to someone like me, who prefers to work hard to earn a good pension!

 

I will be the first to concede that the private sector also has its share of vagabonds, cheats, and corrupt leaders. However, for the most part, when a business faces financial danger, shareholders take action.

 

In private companies, shareholders are often more vigilant than stakeholders in governance. This discrepancy may arise from the belief that shareholders see their investments as cash, while taxpayers may feel powerless, viewing taxes as obligatory and believing they can do little about politicians, thinking, “they are all the same!”

 

A constructive starting point would be for shareholders and stakeholders to find a common cause. We should stop supporting ineffective leaders and instead seek out those who can deliver a vision we can all embrace.

 

Never underestimate the abundance of potential leaders. I didn’t realise I could be one until I met Dennis Bennett in East London. I was a leader just waiting to be asked.

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mr alex

July 2025