In the last few days we have seen a new side of our Prime Minister. From being a hands-off manager he has evolved into a full-blown leader; a role he enjoys.
Throughout his time as Mayor of London, the Brexit Referendum, Covid, Brexit departure and now negotiations about the future relationship what has been clear is that the PM is more comfortable as a leader than as a manager.
Leader- a person who rules or guides or inspires others. individual, mortal, person, somebody, someone, soul- a human being; "there was too much for one person to do". spiritual leader- a leader in religious or sacred affairs. aristocrat, blue blood, patrician- a member of the aristocracy. Free Dictionary
Manager - most commonly refers to a person who supervises employees in a company or other organization. Managers are typically somewhere in the middle level of an organization—the term most commonly refers to a person who is a boss but also has a boss. Manager is the noun form of the verb manage, which has many meanings but commonly means to be in charge of or supervise employees. Dictionary.com
The PM deals in broad strokes, visionary speeches, uplifting and motivational utterings and that works in groups that you can control. In such a disparate environment such as Great Britain and Northern Ireland with lots of different views, agendas and beliefs this is more difficult. What appeals to one group in oir society may, as we have seen, offend other groups.
The PM needs to develop groups around him that are used to, and embrace the idea of, following him and his vision for a better future; he needs to appoint spokespeople who will brief the public, media and other interested parties on his behalf. He needs to concentrate on setting the vision and ensuring his team adhere to it.
The PM needs to reinstate daily briefings on all matters of government and engage his team with the population.
It is vital that the PM takes control of the situation and as Winston Churchill did, inspire people to do their bit. After all, Churchill never fired a weapon or engaged the enemy whilst he was PM. He had experts to do that.