In the new episode of Organising For A Change, we look at Leadership in the context of our unions.
We discuss how and why notions of leadership in the labour movement have become constrained within very tight parameters, and think about Machiavelli’s universal truth that what you need to do to achieve leadership status is often very different to what you have to do to preserve it.
We also look at how ideas about leadership can end up disempowering the very members unions need to enthuse and energise.
What does good, effective leadership look like in today’s movement – and how can we give ourselves the best chance of securing it?
Two things are for sure – first, that the best leaders of tomorrow are those we don’t even yet know. And second, we need to leave space for those future leaders to develop, grow and, yes, lead.
We’re grateful to have the support of Thompsons, the leading trade union and social justice law firm, The General Federation of Trade Unions - delivering trade union education, building solidarity and the home of StrikeMap, Pellacraft, award winning and trusted supplier of promotional goods, and Battersea and Wandsworth Trade Union Council. Thank you all.
Organising for a change is presented by Martin Smith and Simon Sapper. Music is by Scott Holmes. It is a Makes-You-Think production. Recorded in April 2024, first published August 2024.