The British Elections, Coaltions and Educational Leadership

As the contentious British election heads to a post-voting denouement, it appears the formation of some sort of coalition government is rapidly becoming a foregone conclusion.  What is interesting is the generally negative vibe about "coalition" governments that one detects as the events get reported, despite the fact that much of the world--particularly in Europe--runs via coalitions of multiple parties.  The notion seems to be that coalitions are congenitally dysfunctional, given that they must serve multiple interests arrayed along a broader political spectrum.

Hmmm.  Sounds like what successful democratic politics is all about: creating blends of viewpoints and interests so that no single faction dominates (rules) the others.  So, why the negative vibe?

Maybe the answer lies in how difficult it is to hold coalitions together and implement an agenda.  It takes both skill and effort; in fact, a whole lot of both.  One could argue that forging coalitions and holding them together would be an antidote to the acrimony and bitterness (and even hatred) that has come to characterize politics in the United States.  It is much easier to only prosecute the interests and agenda of your own narrower faction, not to mention call people pejorative names or worse.  And, while other groups may intensely dislike you, at least you will be viewed favorably within your tribe.

Leadership in educational institutions is all about building and maintaining coalitions.  Few leaders have sufficient latitude to act without allies from groups that might, on other issues, be opponents.  Interesting that "coalition building" (as opposed to generic "collaboration") rarely appears on lists of skills desirable in organizations and politics.  Perhaps we should value it more.