Why Do We Need Leaders?

With the Trump assassination attempt and a picture of Starmer grandstanding on a balcony, I’ve started wondering why we need leaders this week. Historically, they’ve steered us through storms, aiming for shared horizons. But in today’s tangled world, we might give them too much divine status and then scratch our heads when things don’t improve. It makes me wonder if we need to rethink what leadership means.

Early humans looked to leaders to organise hunts and manage resources. Leaders were essential for survival and set the stage for their societal role. Psychologically, we crave guidance when things are uncertain. Leaders are supposed to provide a sense of security and direction. They should keep things in order and settle conflicts, establishing norms we can all follow.

But our current approach isn’t perfect. Elevating leaders to heroic figures creates unrealistic expectations and dependency, leaving us less inclined to contribute ourselves. Michel Foucault’s ideas on power and control highlight how institutions shape and sometimes limit individual agency.

When each side sees its leaders as flawless heroes (check out the Hulk Hogan link below), their inevitable mistakes lead to widespread disappointment. Current political and economic troubles tell me that relying too heavily on leaders is disastrous. They are expected to fix systemic problems that require either a collective effort or perhaps just the systems that are wrong in the first place.

One alternative is to view the family as a model for leadership. In a family, leadership is shared, roles are flexible, and everyone looks out for each other. This approach fosters responsibility and agency among all members.

We could also reimagine the government’s role without overreaching, focusing on essential services like infrastructure and healthcare. This would respect individual autonomy and encourage community-based leadership and problem-solving.

Leaders may have their place, but over-reliance on them is risky. Promoting a culture of collective responsibility and distributed leadership can help us build more resilient and empowered communities. As society’s basic units, families can lead the way, supported by a minimal yet effective government. Though perhaps a pipe dream, this shift could help us tackle today’s complex challenges more sustainably without the need for heroics.

Design for the Weekend

In today’s video, I explore converting a rustic barn in Clanfield, Hampshire, into a modern home. Situated right on the edge of both Clanfield and South Downs National Park, this barn is well-located if you don’t fancy complete rural living but a bit of barn life.

The barn’s orientation offers the best light and views from the south and west. My design includes an open-plan living area, a centrally located entrance, and a private wing with four bedrooms and en suites. I think a transformation of this barn could blend historical character with contemporary living.

Have a good weekend.

All the best

This Week’s Links:

Hulk Hogan and his hero…..

John Pawson’s barn conversion.

The most overrun tourist spots in the UK – and where to go instead.

A different barn conversion approach.

Vermont farmhouses on Lake Champlain

I made this last week. Simple and delicious.