Critical Friends

30/07/2009 by Steve Tierney.

Critical Friends
I post quite a lot on the ConservativeHome website and seem to often end up bashing my head against certain ultra-loyalists there, to whom I am apparently considered something of a maverick (mainly because I don’t always ‘toe the party line’ as David Cameron and the gang at the top prescribe). 
  
I don’t mind that tag at all since it’s rather cooler than “lapdog” or “whipping boy” but its gotten me thinking.  Since I began my work at the County Council I have come across the term “critical friend” and have previously thought it to be something of a “buzz word” (of which local government has rather a lot.)  But like so many of these sort of things you can snicker to yourself about them only to find at a point in future a lightbulb goes on in your head and you’re all: “Ohhhh yeah!  Now I get it!”
   
In my opinion there is nothing wrong with questioning the party line.  There is nothing wrong with making your case and arguing for what you believe. If it is done in an intelligent and respectful manner - and if you are prepared to lose the argument as often as win it - then it is the sign of a healthy, vibrant and dynamic party. 
  
On the flipside, being so loyal that you never question, never argue, never speak out of turn may ingratiate you with certain sorts of leader but is unhealthy, undemocratic and rather dangerous. 
  
I’ve found in local government (certainly in Cambridgeshire) that we have positive leaders who encourage participation and individual thinking.  I find that refreshing.  I’ve never met David Cameron so it may well be (and I hope it is) that he appreciates this too.  But if so, it hasn’t filtered down to some party activists who seem to think anything the boss says just must be right.  I’ve never met a boss who was omnipotent yet.
   
Being a critical friend means more than mindlessly cheering: “Go Blue!” at a ball game.  It means more than presuming that everything we do is right and everything they do is wrong.  It means having the courage to speak up, often and clearly, when you think something is awry.  Sometimes you’ll be right.  Sometimes you’ll be wrong.  But at least you’ll always be involved in the game, not just cheering from the sidelines.
  

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