Here is a clarion call for an independent mind, your mind.
Have you noticed how powerful scientists seem to have become? Or rather, how powerful they appear to be? So much depends on my 4th Principle of Power: Perception and Reality. Let me explain.
He who pays the piper, calls the tune.
Maybe I don’t know much about science and statistics, but I do know an awful lot about power and influence. While not wishing to fight for any side in the calamity we find ourselves in, I find myself compelled to attempt to open your eyes and your mind.
What we have seen here in the UK, and likely echoed throughout the world, is the rise of, and reliance on, science. To be more specific, on an elite group of individuals with a scientific background in a favourable position.
The UK Government mantra, “We will always follow the science” has been programmed into our collective subconscious. People like Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty are in the limelight. The majority of the population had never heard of this eminent scientists just two months ago. Now, they are everywhere. What is actually going on in their minds is their business, but it should be ours too.
You see, if you want to know what moves people to do what they do, you have to consider their legitimate agenda (ridding the population of this virus) AND their personal agenda. From my experience, regardless of the ethics and morals, personal agendas almost always trump legitimate agendas when it comes to influencing individual action.
Unfortunately, we can only surmise how they are responding at a personal level. Since we don’t know, we have to draw our own conclusions. “Arise, Professor Sir Chris.” Or, would that be Sir Professor? Perhaps he will find out one day.
One thing is certain though, their power has risen dramatically as the Government has called them in, or perhaps seemingly delegated power to them. “We will always follow the science, to protect the NHS and Save Lives”.
Remember Principle No. 4, Perception and Reality? Well, there are alternative versions of science to just about everything. You don’t need to look far to find other highly credible scientists with counter-arguments. I’m not attempting to argue for them, just noting that they exist.
So, whose science are we (sorry, you) following?
The corporate parallel is that there is always data to be found to back up the CEOs bright idea, “Just look harder.”
But, there’s a problem, a big one. The clues are there, if you are vigilant enough to spot them.
When someone relies on their positional power, be very careful. This usually means they are unwilling or unable to use their expertise power, or some other source. Positional power is a short-cut. When they use their status, role or position to influence, they may be thinking, “I cannot be bothered to explain, so just trust me.” “I’m not so sure as I used to be about what is happening here and haven’t worked it out myself yet, so just go with it.” “Bugger, if I answer that question factually, Boris will never invite me back to this podium.” “How dare you deign to question me, I’m the Chief WhatEverItIsTheyWantToCallMeNow!”
You see, it doesn’t take a scientist to pick holes in the arguments, to force them onto the backstop of “As Chief…” Here’s just one example…
“There is clear evidence that the lockdown has brought down the infection rate.”
We have heard this, or statements close to this so many times it’s getting boring. Where’s the science in that then? I’m more of a statistician than a scientist, and I know the difference between correlation (a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things) and causation (the action of causing something).
Lockdown and reduced infection rates are connected by time (correlation) but one has not necessarily brought about the other (causation). Perhaps it was the fine weather, or a natural peak and decline. But then, I’m not a scientist, but I do think I have a reasonably independent mind, and I know a lot about power and influence.
Consequently, what happens when the “science” falls out of step with the “politics?”
I’ll let that run with you for a while and direct my aim back to encouraging some independent thinking on your part:
- How credible is the science you have chosen to believe?
- Why have you chosen to believe that science, those arguments?
- What alternatives did you consider before you chose?
- What personal agendas might be influencing the action?
- Does it matter?
And some cheeky ones:
- Who pays the piper?
- Is David Icke right?
- Why don’t those journalists ask the really difficult questions?
- When will I stop disturbing your blissful ignorance?
And some highly relevant ones, to you:
- What power plays are in flight around you?
- How will the power dynamics shift as a result of the current period?
- Who is likely to be the most powerful person in your organisation in the future?
- No what will you do?
Finally, remember, my aim here is to encourage you to open your eyes, your ears and be more independent in your thinking and feeling. I do not wish to argue one side or the other. And please don’t make the mistake of thinking I am ignorant of the human tragedy that is unfolding here – this year has already given me a big dose of human tragedy.
What I can also assure you is that whatever your position, if you’ve thought about it properly, I will totally respect your opinion without prejudice.
Now, go enjoy the sunny weather, it’s back again. Hey, do you think the lockdown has caused this fine spell of weather, or is it just one of those pesky correlations?
The Gautrey Influence Blog
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