Brexit and Higher Purpose– the missing component?

Much is still being written about Brexit and so it should be. This is a seminal time for reflection, learning, and integration of future right action. One of the missing components in my view was the connection with a higher purpose. As we know all the campaigning led by both the Leave and Remain camps was based on fear and selfishness. At no point did anyone in a position of leadership seek to articulate the higher purpose of Europe and what being in the European Community means, not just for the UK but for humanity overall.

Clarifying a higher purpose is not easy work. It requires a willingness to connect on a deeper level with one’s higher self and in the case of groups or nations with the higher self of the collective. And in case this all sounds too esoteric for business or political leaders let me be more direct.

Leaders talk in terms of visions and goals and these are vital components. And in my view visions have an inherent quality of potentiality and possibility and are generally charged with an aspirational and advancing quality. During Brexit the only pictures drawn were of a negative and undermining nature. In my view these don’t count as visions and they certainly don’t count as having aligned with a higher purpose.

When we consider higher purpose we are considering a shift toward the greater good – in other words, a reason for acting that is in alignment with what’s right for humanity overall. It would be possible to argue that by voting to leave the UK has, in fact, served humanity well because we have catalysed some very powerful discussions and reflections. But to convert this to true learning and integrate to a higher level we absolutely need to reflect on Purpose…what’s the purpose of a closer union with our European colleagues?

Similarly in organisations, leaders have a duty to connect with not only their own higher purpose but also that of the organisation itself and then to seek alignment through visions, goals and tasks.

So to ensure we extract some of the value from the Brexit crossroads, isn’t it time that all of us in positions of leadership raise our game and seize the opportunity presented at this time.