Running the country?

It was during the Blair administration in Britain that one heard the expression “running the country” most frequently. Often from his publicist/enforcer, Alastair Campbell, or from Deputy PM. John Prescott. But also from Tony Blair himself.

And I still hear it, a bit less frequently in and around David Cameron’s coalition.

It’s such a gross misunderstanding of the role of leadership in government. People talk about “running a company” (that’s where the phrase has been borrowed from). It’s an unlikely concept, even in the corporate world, filled as it is with self-importance.

I’d much rather hear from politicians (and corporate leaders) reference to service. That’s what they are there for.

Now running a bus. That’s more like it. Or running a bath?

David Cameron loves innovation?

Speaking a short while before the election that propelled him to be Prime Minister, David Cameron said: “Innovation must be at the heart of public policy.” Did I miss something since then? Enterprise and entrepreneurship are now rightly central to government rhetoric and policy if the British economy is to move into real growth. But creativity and innovation? Scarcely to be seen or heard of. Yet critical to enterprise and entrepreneurship.