Liberal Opposition Leader Bill Graham sat down with the Globe and Mail yesterday for one of his first real interviews since being appointed by Paul Martin a week ago.
Bill Graham is a thoughtful, dedicated politician who has done great work in his different roles on behalf of the Canadian people.
However, Graham's recent posturings show a very politically defiant Graham who states "it's not our job to prop up the government - it's the other guys who created the Harper government"
Mr. Graham and the rest of the current Liberal insiders should remember that it's actually the Canadian public who created the Harper government - not the NDP or the Bloc.Graham goes on to talk about the Liberal's stand leading to a potential election.
For a party that needs a solid dose of self reflection, this external posturing about defeating the government and sticking to "our" points is not what Canadians are looking for.
While I strongly believe Stephen Harper's government will prove too "right" for most Canadians, Liberals should be doing all they can to promote stability - because that's what Canada needs and (even more importantly for the party's future ) its what Canadians want.
As Mr. Graham prepares to move into Stornoway he should remember the common sense approach that made him the sensible choice for interim leader.
Getting political now doesn't serve anyones interests.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Great For A Reason
Wayne Gretzky - The Great One.
Greatest Hockey Player that ever lived turned manager turned coach has sparked the loyalty of a nation this week with the ongoing controversy over the alledged gambling ring involving his assistant coach and wife.
Some media reports have been surprised by the huge reaction from Canadians over negative press and loose allegations against Mr. Hockey, they should stop wondering - it's about leadership.
Here's a guy from Brantford Ontario who grew up to become the greatest hockey player that ever lived. He did it the old fashioned way - through hard work, dedication, commitment and an unwaivering sense of responsibility. Gretzky has been a leader on and off the ice since lacing up for that 10 and under leader at age 6. He has lived his life the way he played.
After retiring from playing his leadership did not stop. He used his star status, his shrewd business sense and his knowledge of the game to build a Team Canada dynasty- bringing gold home to its rightful place.
Finally, as coach and managing partner, Gretzky has brought excitement and potential to Pheonix.
In a time when only 65% of Canadians are interested enough to vote in federal politics - with an electorate at every level that seems less than enthused with our political leaders, they turn to those leaders who continue to inspire and give hope.
Wayne Gretzky is that symbol of eternal hope. That a young Canadian boy can grow up and become the greatest hockey player ever means that we can all achieve greatness.
Isn't that the hope all of our leaders should be trying to instill?
Greatest Hockey Player that ever lived turned manager turned coach has sparked the loyalty of a nation this week with the ongoing controversy over the alledged gambling ring involving his assistant coach and wife.
Some media reports have been surprised by the huge reaction from Canadians over negative press and loose allegations against Mr. Hockey, they should stop wondering - it's about leadership.
Here's a guy from Brantford Ontario who grew up to become the greatest hockey player that ever lived. He did it the old fashioned way - through hard work, dedication, commitment and an unwaivering sense of responsibility. Gretzky has been a leader on and off the ice since lacing up for that 10 and under leader at age 6. He has lived his life the way he played.
After retiring from playing his leadership did not stop. He used his star status, his shrewd business sense and his knowledge of the game to build a Team Canada dynasty- bringing gold home to its rightful place.
Finally, as coach and managing partner, Gretzky has brought excitement and potential to Pheonix.
In a time when only 65% of Canadians are interested enough to vote in federal politics - with an electorate at every level that seems less than enthused with our political leaders, they turn to those leaders who continue to inspire and give hope.
Wayne Gretzky is that symbol of eternal hope. That a young Canadian boy can grow up and become the greatest hockey player ever means that we can all achieve greatness.
Isn't that the hope all of our leaders should be trying to instill?
Sunday, February 12, 2006
What Am I Looking For?
Received a comment on the last entry asking "What is leadership to me?"
Good question and one that deserves an answer. While this blog is called In Search of a Leader - you are right to ask the question and determine the factors I use in my ongoing search.
First, you need to understand that my past has given me the opportunity to work with some of the most interesting leaders of our day.
My entry into politics came early as a "Cowan Raider" trying to generate support for then Nova Scotia Liberal Leadership contender and now Senator Jim Cowan. During that time I witnessed and worked with such political heavy weights as Guy Brown(former MLA - NS), Roger Bacon (Former Deputy Premier -NS) and others.
I then moved to "Mecca" (Toronto), where as a journalist I covered the demise of David Peterson and the political rise (and fall) of Bob Rae.
I was able to then move back to Atlantic Canada where I eventually went to work for Frank McKenna. In addition I have worked closely with election campaigns for Jean Chretien and Paul Martin.
I have worked with countless municipal, provincial and federal politicians, community leaders, social leaders, religious leaders and youth leaders in my capacity of journalist and then communications consultant.
Finally I have been a student of politics and political campaigns my entire life.
I spend this time to let you know where my personal views were formed.
Now that the history lesson is over, "What does leadership mean to me?"
First, a leader does not have to be a politician, although in the current system it's the quickest way to have impact on the lives of Canadians
- A leader is one who first and foremost listens. Listens to members of his or her party, listens to special interest groups, listens to the loudest and the smallest voices, but most importantly listens to the general sentiment of Canadians as a collective.
- A leader is a great communicator. This is the biggest part of the job. They need to get ideas across, inspire people to take action and defuse when emotions run high.
- A leader is one who is not afraid to put their careers on the line standing up for what they believe in.
- A leader is one who lives with compassion, conviction and commitment.
- A leader understands the needs of those without a strong voice and includes and protects them.
-A leader understands when it stops being about those represent and more about themselves - and get out before that happens.
Finally a leader, regardless of their position, their responsibilities and their affiliation, has the ability to inspire those they lead to rise up and do for themselves, to make their situation better, to improve conditions for everyone.
These are my liberal views of what a leader should possess. I've found elements of these in some, but not enough. The search will continue.
Good question and one that deserves an answer. While this blog is called In Search of a Leader - you are right to ask the question and determine the factors I use in my ongoing search.
First, you need to understand that my past has given me the opportunity to work with some of the most interesting leaders of our day.
My entry into politics came early as a "Cowan Raider" trying to generate support for then Nova Scotia Liberal Leadership contender and now Senator Jim Cowan. During that time I witnessed and worked with such political heavy weights as Guy Brown(former MLA - NS), Roger Bacon (Former Deputy Premier -NS) and others.
I then moved to "Mecca" (Toronto), where as a journalist I covered the demise of David Peterson and the political rise (and fall) of Bob Rae.
I was able to then move back to Atlantic Canada where I eventually went to work for Frank McKenna. In addition I have worked closely with election campaigns for Jean Chretien and Paul Martin.
I have worked with countless municipal, provincial and federal politicians, community leaders, social leaders, religious leaders and youth leaders in my capacity of journalist and then communications consultant.
Finally I have been a student of politics and political campaigns my entire life.
I spend this time to let you know where my personal views were formed.
Now that the history lesson is over, "What does leadership mean to me?"
First, a leader does not have to be a politician, although in the current system it's the quickest way to have impact on the lives of Canadians
- A leader is one who first and foremost listens. Listens to members of his or her party, listens to special interest groups, listens to the loudest and the smallest voices, but most importantly listens to the general sentiment of Canadians as a collective.
- A leader is a great communicator. This is the biggest part of the job. They need to get ideas across, inspire people to take action and defuse when emotions run high.
- A leader is one who is not afraid to put their careers on the line standing up for what they believe in.
- A leader is one who lives with compassion, conviction and commitment.
- A leader understands the needs of those without a strong voice and includes and protects them.
-A leader understands when it stops being about those represent and more about themselves - and get out before that happens.
Finally a leader, regardless of their position, their responsibilities and their affiliation, has the ability to inspire those they lead to rise up and do for themselves, to make their situation better, to improve conditions for everyone.
These are my liberal views of what a leader should possess. I've found elements of these in some, but not enough. The search will continue.
Calling All Visionaries
So the Globe and Mail is reporting a herd of potential liberal leadership contenders are burning up the phone lines looking for that almighty endorsement from sitting members, top party brass and the inside influencers.
The problem for me is the names read like a who's who in Paul Martin's former liberal government. With the exception of Michael Ignatieff, almost all those making noise sat in Paul Martin's last cabinet or (potentially even more troublesome) were part of Jean Chretien's last cabinet.
With the top contenders already pulling out of the race, the hoard of also rans are looking to raise their own personal profile. Some are doing this for greater name recognition (very important when you leave politics and start your consulting career) while others, I'm sure, believe today they have a vision and direction that could lead Canada to its new promised land.
The problem, as history shows us, is that those coming from the inside typically do not have a great new vision and we tend to get a rehash from the past. While some of the names being thrown around, including guys like Ken Dryden, certainly have the social conscience, their vision is not terribly new.
Before the Liberal Party of Canada runs off and elects a new leader it should spend some time reflecting on how it came to where it rests today.
1) Why did the Canadian electorate lose faith in the party and its leaders?
2) What issues are most important to Canadians?
3) Why did only 65% (an increase from 2004!) turn out to vote?
4) What does the LPC stand for today?
I've said it before - Canadians are looking to see some of themselves in a government and in a Prime Minister. Stephen Harper's success is, due in large part, to his grass roots appeal and the fact that he did not come from an elitist background, but rather an ordinary Canadian upbringing.
Canada needs a left of center, grass roots visionary who understands that Canada is the greatest country in the world - its better days ahead not behind. Canada wants a leader that understands regional and cultural differences but, in the end, is able to unify all Canadians in a common cause and a common direction.
Finally, Canadians are looking for a visionary who can lead us to a new level of prosperity, social inclusion and quality of life.
Before running out and getting yesterdays superstars, look to what the future needs. If we do that, my guess is the next leader's name has yet to be mentioned.
The problem for me is the names read like a who's who in Paul Martin's former liberal government. With the exception of Michael Ignatieff, almost all those making noise sat in Paul Martin's last cabinet or (potentially even more troublesome) were part of Jean Chretien's last cabinet.
With the top contenders already pulling out of the race, the hoard of also rans are looking to raise their own personal profile. Some are doing this for greater name recognition (very important when you leave politics and start your consulting career) while others, I'm sure, believe today they have a vision and direction that could lead Canada to its new promised land.
The problem, as history shows us, is that those coming from the inside typically do not have a great new vision and we tend to get a rehash from the past. While some of the names being thrown around, including guys like Ken Dryden, certainly have the social conscience, their vision is not terribly new.
Before the Liberal Party of Canada runs off and elects a new leader it should spend some time reflecting on how it came to where it rests today.
1) Why did the Canadian electorate lose faith in the party and its leaders?
2) What issues are most important to Canadians?
3) Why did only 65% (an increase from 2004!) turn out to vote?
4) What does the LPC stand for today?
I've said it before - Canadians are looking to see some of themselves in a government and in a Prime Minister. Stephen Harper's success is, due in large part, to his grass roots appeal and the fact that he did not come from an elitist background, but rather an ordinary Canadian upbringing.
Canada needs a left of center, grass roots visionary who understands that Canada is the greatest country in the world - its better days ahead not behind. Canada wants a leader that understands regional and cultural differences but, in the end, is able to unify all Canadians in a common cause and a common direction.
Finally, Canadians are looking for a visionary who can lead us to a new level of prosperity, social inclusion and quality of life.
Before running out and getting yesterdays superstars, look to what the future needs. If we do that, my guess is the next leader's name has yet to be mentioned.
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