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Mission Command Leadership: Practical, straightforward advice to help you become a better leader and get the best from your teams
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Why Tony Blairs Leadership Journey Failed
Back in 1997, I was working on a newspaper which supported Tony Blair's election campaign and included colleagues who went on to join Blair's inner circle. The optimism and excitement during election night exploded as it became clear that the young moderniser of Britain's Labour Party had won a landslide victory. These were heady days for all who believed in Blair, the charismatic young leader with a radical new voice. Yet for those of us who weren't caught up in the New Labour love-in, there was something strangely unconvincing about Blair: he had the look, feel and rhetoric of a leader and a strong and committed following but something was missing beyond inexperience. It wasn't insincerity, quite, but rather the sense that there were significant gaps in his personality.
Blair's memoir, A Journey, published last week, fills in some of those gaps and offers a fascinating account of his path to leadership. Informally (and frankly, badly) written, Blair opens compelling vistas on his path to leadership: his triumphs (Northern Ireland and Kosovo), his difficulties (the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan), his challenges (intrigues within his party, especially his successor Gordon Brown), and companions on his journey (including George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Nicolas Sarkozy and the Queen) between 1997 and 2007.
However, descriptions of what it is like to hold power in your hands, the crackle of intrigue and the sparkle of celebrity fade beside Blair's astonishing contradictions as a man and a leader. He emerges as both flippant and serious, down-to-earth and lofty, crude and intellectual, inconsistent yet with strong convictions, open yet highly political and ruthless but charming. His accounts of handling his team, the political intrigues, and the stage management of international events are compelling for those who want to grasp and hold power. And his formula for staying the course (strong and supportive wife, loving family and a few drinks too many will resonate with many leaders.
Blair has earned his place in history and still acts as an international mediator, but his 'official' story is facing a challenge from another rather more unscripted narrative. This concerns his legacy, as understood and written by his colleagues and the UK public, which Blair cannot edit or erase. And it seems to be troubling Blair at what should have been another moment of personal glory.
In the UK, Blair appears not to be valued for his political legacy his service to the UK his and international statesmanship but rather as one of a new breed of self-serving politicians, who literally spun a web of power, duped the public on the grounds for going to war, blindly supported of George W. Bush, left a party in turmoil, and then attained fabulous wealth and faux-celebrity lifestyle after leaving office.
No doubt his book will become a bestseller, but as the days pass, it is becoming apparent that Blair and his publishers are out of step with public perceptions. In his introduction he describes his book as an 'extended letter to the country he loves', but the truth is that the country no longer loves him. Where there was once unquestioning love and support, now there is disdain and hostility. His biographer has even coined the phrase "Blair rage". From angry military families, accusations of treachery, egotism, and denial by the left-wing press and shame by the right, and a hostile reception in Dublin and London, Blair is facing a storm of reactions, from personal threats to a humorous campaign to move his books into inappropriate sections of bookstores.
He may fare better on the international stage (early U.S. reviews have been benign), but the fact remains that Blair, like all leaders, may now have to review his own personal view of his legacy.
So where did it all go wrong and what might leaders learn from his mistakes?
Presidential rather than cabinet-style of leadershipBlair's charisma was clear from the start and he used this ruthlessly to bring his team into line and lock down dissenting members. This broke with British political tradition, where the PM is expected to act as primus inter pares rather than commander-in-chief.
Strong control and inner circle that led to factions and polarizationBlair's hold on power and reliance on an inner circle (mostly unelected) to help him make key decisions resulted in polarization between him and Gordon Brown, which led to a fracturing among senior MPs and factions within the party.
Over-reliance on rebuttal and spin From the outset, Blair understood the power of the media and employed advisers to rebut allegations against the Labour Party and then his government and spin their line. Several years into power, the government was judged to be driven by spin alone a triumph of style over substance.
Agenda that relied on launching too many initiatives and not seeing them through The Blair and Brown governments shared a deluge of initiatives designed to give the impression of an impressive and energetic government bent on reform. Yet few lasted the course or delivered any real or lasting change.
Breaking a personal pact with the public Blair admits in his memoirs to being a 'manipulator' and early on he made a pact with the British public: "In order to circumvent the party I had to construct an alliance between myself and the public," he writes. However, this personal bond couldn't withstand the scandals and the decision to go to war on the basis that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction.
Dysfunctional relationships and a compromise too farOne of the key dramas of the Blair years was his bitter and festering relationship with Gordon Brown, his eventual successor. Blair offers a devastating critique on a man he considered to be maddening and with zero emotional intelligence. The feud drew untold energy from both men, their party and the government and Blair seems to be taking revenge on his successor in his memoir.
Appealing to too many stakeholdersThere is no doubt that Blair has charm and personality, but two decades in public life have exposed his chameleon-like qualities. A gifted politician, he was always able to give the impression of agreeing with others and presenting himself in the best possible light.
Back-seat driving after leaving officeThe publication of A Journey coincided with the leadership ballot for his party. Blair was unapologetic about claiming the limelight at this sensitive time for the leadership, and endorsed one candidate, much to their embarrassment.
Believing in your own hype Blair emerges from his memoir as a man who is super-confident, bordering on supreme arrogance. It is a salutary story of how power can inflate the ego, but Blair is unapologetic in his belief that he is a man of courage and destiny. His detractors have a different view and point to his website and foundation as an exercise in hypocrisy and hyperbole.
Profiting from office and living the celebrity lifestyleFor many, this is Blair's most shameless act since leaving office. To his chagrin, commentators continue to highlight his lucrative speaking engagements and need to support a vast property portfolio at the expense of his good works and international diplomacy. His elevation to celebrity status and publicity has, for many, undermined the dignity of his office and he is compared unfavourably with predecessors such as Margaret Thatcher.
So what are your thoughts on Blair and his memoir? How does a leader manage his legacy when he has retired? Should they even try to do so? Do you think Tony Blair offers a progressive model of leadership or a regressive move to self-interest and spin? Your thoughts, views, and insights are valued as always.
Top 30 Leadership Blogs
Thought Id save you all some time - a very US-centric list but plenty of data to assist you in determining where to look next. I take no credit for this list (its @MikeMyatts as youll see from below - well done Mike!) but its worth the retread! Im compiling a UK version .. but its taking some time! Enjoy.
N2growth Blog: Lets get the self-promotion out of the way, and hey, if you dont think my blog belongs on the list, let me know in the comments below. You can also follow me on Twitter @mikemyatt - Alexa Rank: 27,509Google Page Rank: 4PostRank Leadership Score: 6Number of Posts in last 30 days: 20TwitterGrader Score: 100
John Maxwell on Leadership: The name says it allin fact, I almost view John and the topic of leadership as being synonymous. You wont find more solid thinking on the topic of leadership anywhere (can you tell Im a big fan?). You can follow John on Twitter @johncmaxwell. Alexa Rank: 341,182 Google Page Rank:4PostRank Leadership Score: N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:4 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Extreme Leadership:Steve Farber consistently lays out useful and lucid thoughts on what it takes to be an extreme leader. Steve is a a great guy and you can follow him on Twitter @stevefarber- Alexa Rank: 1,240,575 Google Page Rank: 3PostRank Leadership Score: N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days: 5 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Tom Peters Blog: Tom is the classic big thinker and is prone tothe frequentpolitically incorrect rant, which is why I like him. Regardless of whether you agree of disagree with his opinions, you cannot challenge his candoror hispassion. You can follow Tom on Twitter @tom_peters. Alexa Rank: 115,618 Google Page Rank:6PostRank Leadership Score:26 Number of Posts in last 30 days:16 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Leading With Purpose: Michael Hyatts leadership blog is an exceptional read by a great CEO. You can follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelHyatt.Alexa Rank: 63,303 Google Page Rank:5PostRank Leadership Score:2 Number of Posts in last 30 days:13 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Lead By Example: John Baldoni is aseasoned leadership pro and one of only afew leadership coaches that Iendorse. You can follow John on Twitter @JohnBaldoni. Alexa Rank: 2,947575 Google Page Rank:2PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:9 TwitterGrader Score: 98.5
Daniel Pink: Thought Leader, TED Speaker and recovering lawyer, Daniel is one of a kind. You can follow him on Twitter @DanielPink. Alexa Rank: 129,999 Google Page Rank:6PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:7 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Weekly Leader Blog: Peter Mellos blog has a variety of contributors and is always a great read. You can follow Peter on Twitter @PeterMello. Alexa Rank: 2,799,154 Google Page Rank:4PostRank Leadership Score:3 Number of Posts in last 30 days:16 TwitterGrader Score: 99.3
Next Level Blog: Scott Eblinsauthors someof the smartest leadership insights on the web. You can follow Scott on Twitter @ScottEblin. Alexa Rank: 1,123,13 Google Page Rank:4PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:11 TwitterGrader Score: 96.3
Wally Bocks Three Star Leadership Blog: Wally Bocks blog is practical, insightful, and always personal. Wally is a pure straight-shooter who pulls no punches while also happening to be one of the best writers I know. You can follow Wally on Twitter @WallyBock. Alexa Rank: 251,748 Google Page Rank:5PostRank Leadership Score:18 Number of Posts in last 30 days:30 TwitterGrader Score: 100
All Things Workplace: This blog offers opinionsand general information on leadership and leadership development by Steve Roesler. Steves insights are thoughtful and always spot-on. You can follow Steve on Twitter @steveroesler. Alexa Rank: 523,731 Google Page Rank:5PostRank Leadership Score: N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:0 TwitterGrader Score: 99.3
Marshall Goldsmith Blog: Marshall Goldsmith is a class act, a competitor ofmine (one of only two or three CEO coaches that I would recommend), and a deep thinker on the topic of leadership. You can follow Marshall on Twitter @coachgoldsmith. Alexa Rank: 5,678 (HBR) Google Page Rank:6 (HBR)PostRank Leadership Score: N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:0 TwitterGrader Score: 99.3
Seth Godins Blog: The best-selling author, entrepreneur and agent of change gives you personal insights on the leadership landscape. I find myself only agreeing with Seth about 50% of the time, but he makes me think 100% of the time. You can follow Seth on Twitter @ThisIsSethsBlogAlexa Rank: 4,876 Google Page Rank:7PostRank Leadership Score: N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:35 TwitterGrader Score: 100
The Management Experts:If youre looking for a positive spin on leadership then look no further than Phil Gerbyshak.TME is Phils latest blogging adventure and is a multi-authortake on leadership and management that is simple, to the point and always positive. You can follow Phil on Twitter @philgerb. Alexa Rank: 2,731,651 Google Page Rank:0PostRank Leadership Score: N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:13 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Leading Blog: Michael McKinney authors the Leading Blog whichtakes a comprehensive look at all things leadership. I tend to agree with most of Michaels positions (except when he left my book off his list) and find his business logic to be solidly grounded. You can follow Michael on Twitter @LeadershipNow. Alexa Rank: 115,581 Google Page Rank:5PostRank Leadership Score:18 Number of Posts in last 30 days:13 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Great Leadership: Dan McCarthys blog isa great source of leadership information and a consistently good read. You can follow Dan on Twitter @GreatLeadership Alexa Rank: 333,659 Google Page Rank:5PostRank Leadership Score:9 Number of Posts in last 30 days:10 TwitterGrader Score: 99.3
Robin Sharmas Leadership Blog: Robins take on leadership is always both interesting and informative. You can follow Robin on Twitter @_robin_sharma. Alexa Rank: 138,904 Google Page Rank:5PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:2 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Lead Change Group. The Lead Change Group was founded by Mike Henry Sr., who is one of the true nice guys in the business. You can follow Mike on Twitter @mikehenrysr. Alexa Rank: 200,949 Google Page Rank:3PostRank Leadership Score:16 Number of Posts in last 30 days:28 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Ramblings From a Glass Half Full: Terry Starbuckers blog represents some of the more contemporary thinking on leadership. You can follow Terry on Twitter @starbucker. Alexa Rank: 259,822 Google Page Rank:4PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:9 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Management Excellence: Art Pettys blog provides consistently solid leadershipwisdom. You can followart on Twitter @artpetty. Alexa Rank: 746494 Google Page Rank:4PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:15 TwitterGrader Score: 99.3
Daniel Decker:Dans blog is always reliable and grounded. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DanielDecker. Alexa Rank: 1,623,187 Google Page Rank:2PostRank Leadership Score:24 Number of Posts in last 30 days:13 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Leader Talk: Mountain State Universitys leadership blog is hosted by Becky Robinson. You can follow Becky on Twitter @LeaderTalk. Alexa Rank: 297,226 Google Page Rank:3PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:14 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Orrin Woodward: Orrin is smart, creative and insightful I only wish hed publish more frequently updated content. You can follow Orrin on Twitter @orrin_woodward. Alexa Rank: 47,694 Google Page Rank:4PostRank Leadership Score:50 Number of Posts in last 30 days:1 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Tanveer Naseer: Tanveer is bright and a deep thinker. You can follow Tanveer on Twitter @tanveernaseer. Alexa Rank: 1,163,245 Google Page Rank:3PostRank Leadership Score:18 Number of Posts in last 30 days:15 TwitterGrader Score: 98
Big Is the New Small: Scott Williams is a breath of fresh air in the leadership space and well worth reading. You can follow Scott on Twitter @scottwilliams.Alexa Rank: 293,337 Google Page Rank:3PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:22 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Scott Gould: Scott is one of my favorite young leadership bloggers. Scott goes deep with every post and is a must follow on Twitter @scottgould. Alexa Rank: 446,936 Google Page Rank:3PostRank Leadership Score:7 Number of Posts in last 30 days:27 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Leadership Solutions:The Leadership Solutions blog is written by Mary Jo Asmus.You can follow Mary Jo on Twitter @mjasmus. Alexa Rank: 1,814,538 Google Page Rank:4PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:14 TwitterGrader Score: 98.0
Ron Edmondson: Ron is smart, authentic, approachable and he posts as frequently if not more than most in the leadership space. You can follow Ron on Twitter @ronedmondson. Alexa Rank: 644,746 Google Page Rank:3PostRank Leadership Score:5 Number of Posts in last 30 days:40 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Leadership Freak: Dan Rockwells blog is a must read. While we dont always see eye-to-eye on things, I hold Dans work in high regard. You can follow Dan on Twitter @LeadershipFreak. Alexa Rank: 1,051,958 Google Page Rank:3PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:27 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Serve to Lead: If youre into servant leadership then you should be reading James Strock. You can follow James on Twitter @jamesstrock. Alexa Rank: 7,050773 Google Page Rank:1PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:13 TwitterGrader Score: 96.3
Random Acts of Leadership: Random Acts of Leadership is Susan Mazzas contemplative and thoughtful leadership Blog. You can follow Susan on Twitter @SusanMazza.Alexa Rank: 2,096,995 Google Page Rank:3PostRank Leadership Score:N/A Number of Posts in last 30 days:3 TwitterGrader Score: 100
Tony Blairs Journey as a Leader
Andrew Neather writes a comprehensive review of the book, but on Blair as a leader he writes:
Blair's aim is different. He states that, my aim was to write not as a historian but as a leader. That is his excuse for the sometimes confusing lack of dates and the occasional jumping back and forth in his narrative. This is a meditation on leadership. As such it feels oddly retrospective, part of a teleology Blair has imposed on the telling of his own career. That and the refinement of the New Labour creed add up to the journey of the title.
His fixation with leadership grew steadily: it is almost as though he admires decisiveness rather than the ability to get decisions right. Thus he has a genuine admiration for George W Bush, even though his decisiveness flowed from the immense simplicity in how he saw the world. He describes even Israel's Ariel Sharon as a real leader, despite being maddening.
Sometimes this material comes out like a post-dinner motivational speech. Thus on his nerves before giving his famous People's Princess comments: don't feed all the inner demons who suggest all the things that can go wrong. Just go out and do it.
The focus on leadership is clearest in his last two years in power: I felt liberated, strong and up for anything. He had come to realise that being in touch' with opinion was no longer the lodestar. Doing what was right' had replaced it.
Doing right is important - but its probably best to judge ones relative success in achieving that to others!
Compare this, and Blairs own words as a self-styled leadership guru with some criticism dated some years ago about Blairs style, and his seven shortcomings:
1. Failure to manage expectations and follow through
Blair has been addicted to grandiose claims that have in turn created unrealisable goals. He has preferred headline-grabbing initiatives to the hard slog of policymaking. As Dominic Lawson puts it in The Independent, NHS employees have probably lost count of the number of radical reforms demanded of them over the past nine years.
2. Neglecting to adapt to changed circumstances
New Labour gained power on the back of a slick marketing and communications campaign. But once in government, the party continued with this strategy; Blair never learnt the art of leading a collegiate administration, says Stern.
3. Adopting the heroic CEO leadership model
Having signed up to the idea that chief executives achieve glory on their own, Blair has been unhealthily self-centred, says Stern.
4. An authoritarian style
Adopting the leadership style of Margaret Thatcher simply crimped his ministers creativity and initiative.
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