The Common Market was formed among European nations to avoid the future possibility of World War III. But it quickly became an economic and administrative union, and is nearly always described in terms of its economics – the economic crisis of Greece, the economic crisis of incoming refugees, the economic risks among banks, and so on. Following Britain’s historic vote to leave the European Union, the media has been filled with dire economic commentary – the sinking of currencies, chaos in world financial markets, the apocalyptic economic predictions, the impact on trade, the loss of Europe’s second largest economy, and more.
But this misses the point. Not everything can be measured in terms of economics – people have feelings, emotions, aspirations, affiliations, traditions, and these are just as important – sometimes even more so – than economics. When the British entered the European Union in 1973 there was the possibility of fulfilling a dream, a dream of oneness, while maintaining a sense of social and national identity. Not only did that dream not materialize, but the British felt that they had given up a lot and received little in return. The British are a unique nation, with a long history, long-standing social traditions and a strong sense of individualism. All of this was challenged by a bureaucracy headquartered in Brussels. Slowly, the British lost their freedom to live their lives in ways to which they had become accustomed as they lost control over what they ate, who was allowed to visit or live in the country, the weights and measures they could use, and so many other day-to-day items. This forfeiture of identity to bureaucrats in Brussels, and the continuing failure of those bureaucrats to pay attention to the increasing frustrations of the British, ultimately led to a revolt.
Yes, the economics may be painful in the short-term. On the other hand, the British are much more concerned about the long-term. They want to be British first and European second, not the other way around. The economic picture may be tricky in the near-term but this temporary hardship (if it happens) will ignite and propel the famed British doggedness towards a unified cohesion which has been lacking for 40 years. That sense of oneness coupled with a new dream could result in a new European miracle.
Brexit, is a metaphor which holds many lessons for all of us – in corporations, governments, communities and families. The loudest voices were those of economists, big business and the cultural and financial center of London – often referred to as “the institutional elite”- and though the British heard those voices, they were not voices that addressed the emotions, the spirit, the psychology, the id, the intuition or the instinct. It was these aspects that were ignored and which fueled the British votes, and while voters understood the economic risks, they were viewed as secondary and an acceptable price to pay. Additionally, we must learn from this that big is not always better, that it is dangerous not to pay attention to the frictions in the small parts of big systems, and accepting the will of the majority doesn’t mean that the minority can be ignored.
Another lesson is to keep promises. Immigrations is one of the issues at the heart of British grievances. Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, had twice promised, in 2010 and 2015, to limit immigration to below 100,000 per year. In 2015, six years into Cameron’s tenure as Prime Minister, the number of foreign nationals settling in Britain hit 650,000. Broken promises carry the sting of betrayal.
There so many great lessons for all of us here: Pay attention to ALL of the voices in a community, organization or team. Have a dream and dedicate all of your resources to realizing it. Develop a strong sense of oneness and purpose. Administration should facilitate a dream not thwart it. Perhaps most importantly, when voices are raised loudly proclaiming their unhappiness, listening to those needs and resolving them in a timely fashion will avoid a divorce.
We can imagine, a few years from now, that a Britain with one dream could be one of the happiest and most influential nations on earth.
I appreciate the timely and insightful perspective. Though there may be short term turmoil and panic, I very much appreciate the opportunity to ask ourselves, “what insights can we gain from the Brexit and ways these link to how we listen and relate within our families, communities and organizations?” Thank you Lance!
Thanks for this interesting writing.
It’s got me curious and wondering about possible parallel insights or observations about the USA (where I live) and Canada …
and the multiple dynamics and tensions regarding unity amid diversity.
Lance,
First sensible comment I have heard or read since the Brits decided to exit the EU.
Regards,
Patricia Walker
Lance, I would dearly love your article to be true. I am British and in my small way I contribute to trading within Europe (and outside Europe) and employ European nationals in my business in the UK.
Brussels may be bureaucratic. Yet so is the UK government. Having a bureaucracy to run a huge economy doesn’t even feature in my top 1,000 list of concerns.
The sad reality of this LEAVE vote, is that immigration was the key and decisive factor. In particular, white working-class voters in England, who traditionally would have voted Labour, have deserted Labour.
They have been told an awful lie – that the immigrants are the problem. Vote to leave and we solve our immigration and economic problems.
What has just happened, is a surge to the right wing – brought about by the dismal performance of the Labour Party.
My reality has been that I can travel in Europe, feel welcomed in Europe, do business in Europe – and employ and work with Europeans. This will now be diminished.By how much, i am not sure.
I have spoken to many Europeans in the UK, who now do not feel welcome.
I predict that the anger of the white working class will only get worse, when they realize leaving Europe has made the economy worse, and there is no benefit to them of capping immigration (other than a short-term xenophobic zeal).
We are lurching to the right wing.
The people who are happy about this include Trump, Putin and Marine Le Pen.
Stewart
In terms of economics Stewart, you may be right. Or maybe not – perhaps British ingenuity and innovation will be reenergized as never before? The economics aside, having large bureaucracies to run large systems is no excuse to ignore the frustrations and voices of a large percentage of the population one is supposed to be representing. That it doesn’t “feature in your top 1000 list of concerns” is the position many perceived as being shared by Brussels too. This is one of the key lessons in this sad tale. The question is, why didn’t the EU listen? Why didn’t they move actively and creatively towards a solution to the frustrations being clearly expressed (and not heard) in Britain? Why did Cameron make promises he didn’t (or couldn’t) keep? I wonder if it’s a bit harsh to blame right wing politics and xenophobia for this outcome? Perhaps it is a realization that the price of centralizing everything is a personal loss of control and identity, and the British expressed that frustration, which is echoed by so many of us in our families, communities and corporations. Time to rethink some things.
I appreciate your comments Stewart Desson — which express my own hunches about the LEAVING and also about what I observe happening in the USA, i.e. increasing polarization and the working class moving to the right in fear, insecurity and anger.
This morning I happen to read the Heritage Foundation’s article about Brixit and the “comments” sections were full of radical right trirades.
Thank you for your sharing of perspective.
Interesting post! Thank you for sharing
And though it is possible, as you say
‘We can imagine, a few years from now, that a Britain with one dream could be one of the happiest and most influential nations on earth.’
But history has proven that autarky is fraught with disadvantages. Time will tell…
One thing that I found particularly interesting is the generational divide: under 30 overwhelming voting for remain, while over 50 skewed the opposite way.
Super Lance. Thank you for your championing relationship building on the world stage. It’s this type social constructivism that is going to bring greater belief in our interconnectedness and wholeness. I believe when people come from higher awareness perspectives, like oneness, magic happens. (And they certainly wouldn’t be surprised as often as they are when they do not).
I must confess to be rather disappointed by Lance’s blog on Brexit. Only a small majority voted Leave and if you look at the voters in Scotland over 60% voted to Remain. Can we really afford to spend many months, if not years, on working out how to leave when there is so much else to do for the benefit of our fellow man?
Well, we could be disappointed about a small majority in just about any election or referendum couldn’t we? But consider this: this was just a referendum – it’s not binding in any legal form. The UK government could ignore it, hold another referendum, or implement it. It isn’t until they invoke clause 50 of the Lisbon treaty that a two-year timetable begins the countdown for an exit. Why is the reaction in the EU one of anger and irritation urging Britain to leave as soon as possible? A more inspiring reaction would be something more along the lines of: “We are so sorry that we have created conditions that have upset you so much that you have decided that you want to leave our family. What is it that we can do to heal this rift and make sure you feel welcome?”
Dear Lance,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. Whilst I too have recognised that the complications of EU law, Article 50 et al indeed give us options, and we cannot predict just what may be around the corner in the months to come. However I am deeply concerned by the increasing polarisation of opinion in society. This is typified on so many issues by: “If you are not for us then you are against us!” How do the moderates inspire in such an environment?
I greatly appreciate the thoughts you share and in my own way follow the wisdom of William Barclay who said:“In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can in all the ways we can.”
What a wonderful quote David – thank you.