¿ What if ¿ The elections would create more leaders and not followers ?
As local elections approach, it is a good time to imagine a scenario where elections do more than elect representatives. What would happen if they encouraged leadership across society? This vision shifts the political landscape from producing passive followers to nurturing active, engaged leaders. Here is an idea of how this transformative approach could reshape our communities.
A wave of civic engagement
Citizens would play a more proactive role in shaping the decisions that affect their lives, this could produce more leaders at all levels. Town halls, forums and local meetings would no longer be rare events, but vibrant spaces where ideas are shared and discussed. Everyone’s voice would carry weight and foster a culture of open dialogue and community-driven solutions.
To support this shift, schools and community programs would prioritise leadership development, teaching individuals how to take the initiative in their neighbourhoods. Leadership would no longer be an isolated skill but a core part of education, enabling citizens to navigate and contribute to societal challenges confidently.
Decentralized power and community leadership
With elections producing more leaders, governance would become increasingly decentralised. Local leaders would emerge from diverse backgrounds, each representing the unique concerns of their community. This would result in a governance system that is more responsive to the particularities of each place rather than imposing blanket solutions from a distant centre of power.
Instead of a traditional top-down structure, leadership would evolve into a collaborative effort. A range of community leaders, each with their own expertise and perspective, would work together to build consensus. This horizontal approach to governance would emphasise collaboration rather than hierarchy and ensure that decisions are informed by multiple voices. Local voices would be less afraid to speak up and would feel more heard.
Innovation through diverse leadership
When more leaders are involved in the decision-making process, the range of perspectives in policy discussions widens. This diversity would naturally lead to more innovative, creative solutions to societal challenges. Policies would reflect the varied experiences of a broad spectrum of people so that no group is left out of the conversation. Inclusiveness, which has now become a big buzzword, would happen organically. When people feel more valued and heard, they automatically start feeling better in a community. Local initiatives, often overshadowed by national agendas, would gain momentum in this new political landscape. Community-driven solutions can address problems often neglected by traditional power structures, leading to grassroots movements that create real change on the ground. These grassroots movements then serve as catalysts for change.
A Cultural Shift in Politics
In this view, leadership would not be about following orders or following the party line. Instead, it would be about empowering individuals to assume their role in governance. The focus would shift to accountability and self-leadership, creating a political culture where leaders are seen as facilitators of community growth rather than enforcers of rigid rules. From compliance to empowerment.
Leaders would no longer be viewed through the lens of power or personal gain. Instead, they would be seen as public servants, dedicated to the well-being of their communities. This approach would create a political climate where collective well-being is central and leadership is measured by the impact it has on the lives of others.
Education and the Informed Citizen
A system that encourages leadership at all levels requires an informed and educated electorate. Education would emphasise critical thinking and the ability to analyse and engage with complex political issues. In turn, citizens would make more thoughtful, informed choices about the leaders they choose to be or support. A system more focused on self-leadership would also encourage transparency in government processes, giving citizens the information they need to hold elected officials accountable. This access to information would not only boost confidence in leadership, but also inspire others to step forward and lead by example.
Resilience and Adaptability in Leadership
Communities with a multitude of leaders would be more resilient in the face of challenges. Instead of relying on one figurehead, diverse leaders would bring in different approaches to solving problems. This flexibility would make for more adaptable responses to both local and global crises. One would also have no chance to govern when the thinking is not supported by the majority. One would then start all over again until when people can create something that feels right for everyone. It would have a more sustainable structure, which, like everything else in life, would also change organically as time demands.
Leadership is not about the next election, it’s about the next generation ~ Simon Sinek
Leaders, recognising the value of collaboration, would form networks of mutual support, sharing resources and strategies to address common problems. These networks would foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning between leaders so that solutions evolve and improve over time. Bickering over useless issues would have no chance.
Strengthening social cohesion and responsibility
In a society where self-leadership is widespread, individuals would feel a greater sense of responsibility for the well-being of their community. Shared leadership fosters a collective mindset, where citizens recognise their role in shaping the future and feel responsible for the results of their actions. This requires a higher level of consciousness, where you understand that everything starts with yourself. Problems are then placed much less outside of oneself.
Empowered citizens contribute to stronger, more cohesive communities. Cooperation and mutual support would become the norm, as individuals take pride in their role as leaders, whether formally elected or simply active in their neighbourhood. This sense of shared purpose brings people together and strengthens both social bonds and community resilience.
A new political landscape
In this vision of the future, elections would do more than elect leaders – they would cultivate a society of leaders. Political culture would become more dynamic, participatory and inclusive, fostering a deep sense of ownership and responsibility in shaping the direction of our communities. Through this shift, both politics and society as a whole would become more innovative, resilient and responsive to the needs of all.