SECOND THOUGHTS
'To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catch-phrase, the U-turn, I have only this to say. 'You turn if you want; this lady's not for turning.' (Conservative Conference 1980) These memorable words of Margaret Thatcher (The Iron Lady), early in her term of office, convey a sense of strength and determination. Many people then and now look for these qualities in a leader, one who will make decisions and see them through against all opposition – no matter what. How often is poor leadership blamed for the lack of success of a political party or social and religious organisations? I feel though that there are very real problems arising out of the above depiction of leadership with serious consequences for both individuals and community.
However well-meaning or able the leader in question might be, they, and those they represent, will ultimately be limited in achieving the best they can for themselves and for the community. As we all know, it can take courage to have second thoughts about something we hold dear, admit of a second way and go on to make a U-turn. It can also take courage to suggest to someone that perhaps they should think again. Thoughts and ideas should not be engraved in stone but rather they should be creative and nourishing. The human capacity for reflection, consideration and discrimination should be a shared endeavour encouraging all members of a community to contribute the best they have to a rich and creative mix. To make definitive claims for first thoughts which allow no possibility of change must stultify growth and prevent the best we have of ever being born.
Allowing second thoughts to be considered might be the most difficult and risky thing we are asked to do. At both a personal and group level we are confronted with having to consider whether something which we have held dear for some time remains appropriate now, whether it be belief or behaviour. It entails listening carefully to each other and reflecting on what is said rather than just telling and hearing.
At root it is a way of relating and being with others that has always been at the heart of my commitment to the Unitarian community. There is always someone who is ready to put forward an alternative point of view and suggest that I should think again but at the same time there is support, encouragement and strengthening relationships which gives us all courage to change or modify, when necessary, our original stance. This is not promoting the idea of change for change's sake but rather an encouragement for everyone to contribute knowing that their thoughts and ideas are valued whilst at the same time being prepared to reflect, consider and discriminate in an ongoing creative process.
The Unitarian - October 2005 - "Thought for the Month" by Joan Wilkinson