Being Theresa May
Empathy is putting yourself in another persons shoes, this is what I imagine it’s like for Theresa May 48 hours or so on from her General Election result.
“What have I done? It seemed like a good idea at the time, to call a snap election, but it has gone massively wrong. I feel shattered, physically and emotionally. I haven’t slept in three days, but I must push on; I have to look strong. Why did they turn against me? A year ago the country voted for Brexit, and David walked. There was no one else, so I stepped up to the plate. Since then I have given it everything. Everyone has an easy answer, don’t they, but it’s never that easy. The “Liar, liar” video – that hurt. That is one thing I am not. Do they think we have no feelings, as people? I have done my best and told the truth. There were people sniping at the way I was handling Brexit and I really didn’t have my own mandate, so going to the country was right. And yes, the opposition was in a mess: even better. We needed a strong hand in Brussels. I don’t apologise for that. I feel so humiliated, now … Come on! Enough of that! Got to form a Government. I’ve spent most of my adult life serving the country and now is no time for this self pity. So tired, though. I feel exposed. I want to go for a walk in the hills. Later. I must keep going, keep a clear head, stop all this noise. Come on, me, look up … one hour, one day at a time, I can sort this, I have to sort this …”
And what about Jeremy?
Being Jeremy Corbyn
“We could really do this. I almost can’t believe it. I haven’t felt this pumped up for 30 years. It’s the young, I’m getting their energy. And it’s not just a few thousand, it’s millions! The country is starting to feel what we feel! We didn’t win, but what a great way to lose! And if the Tories don’t work it out, well, we could be in. I need a plan. Focus! My team. Who’s in, who’s out? Can I trust the PLP? I should forgive those who stabbed me in the back. I suppose they were doing what they thought was right for the party. Are they convinced now, really? Can we unite? We have to try, but … I feel for Theresa. She’s a decent person, and has served as best she could for many years. I know what its like to be shot at from all sides. She has her view of what is best, and my view is very different. We played a straight campaign. We talked about what we believed in. We engaged. I never wanted to play dirty and now is not the time to start. But am I equipped for this? I’ve never held office in Government. Never mind. Many in the country are depending on me to see this through. You have to believe, and stay true to yourself. That’s my qualification, and I do believe in a different, better way. This would be our chance to create a fairer society and from there a better world. Yes, we can do it. I’d rather be reading my book, or in the garden. That’s where I feel at home, but when I see the faces of the people, young and old, happy, excited, looking at me, full of hope and vigour … I owe it to them to see this through. Things can be different. Oh boy. What have I done …”
If you have read this far, thank you.
This is not about Theresa, or Jeremy. It’s not even about politics. It’s about me. I am practising empathy, trying to imagine what it’s like for them because, when I put myself in other people’s shoes, I look on them more kindly. Empathy opens up my heart and that makes me a better person and hopefully a better coach.