Lead Gently and Unite, Don’t Divide

There are two types of people in the world: those who divide people into two types and those who don’t. 😊

When it comes to Covid policy, I find myself in the ranks of the former.

Covid policy is a highly divisive issue. It’s an issue about which reasonable people may differ.

There are lots of reasons why this is the case: pre-existing medical conditions, contact with the elderly, impact on business etc. But the main reason is essentially innate: risk tolerance.

Arguing about Covid policy is a little like arguing about religion or politics. All these topics tap into almost unconscious traits and beliefs.

No amount of debate will resolve differences in risk preferences. These are more or less defined by the age of seven.

Both “Covid bold” and “Covid cautious” approaches have pros and cons.

If you are bold, don’t shame the cautious. And if you are cautious, don’t shame the bold.

By all means have a view. By all means lead. But lead gently. Be a uniter, not a divider.