Reshaping Estonia's Leadership: Empathy and Collaborative Communication at the Forefront
Empathetic Leadership Advocacy in Estonia by Bart Cosijn
In the ongoing tumult of Estonian politics, the parliament grapples with recurring conflicts and sour relations, while the government rushes through policies without adequate societal consultation. It's high time for a rethink of leadership in Estonia, Bart Cosijn, a seasoned moderator and participation pioneer, contends.
This is the English rendering of an opinion piece originally published in Estonian newspaper Eesti Päevaleht.
What gives rise to the seemingly eternal crises in Estonian politics? The parliament operates with substantial discord and promises about the proceedings, and the government hurries to implement measures and laws without heeding the voice of the public. In these rushed and distrustful times, it's past due for reevaluating leadership in Estonia.
Central to electoral democracy is the notion that the best decision-making emerges from productive debate among politicians who represent a broad spectrum of societal viewpoints. Henceforth: politicians must hear the people and comprehend the challenges they face daily; and they should listen to each other. Effective political dialogue only occurs when politicians listen attentively to their adversaries, consider their arguments carefully, and structure their retorts thoughtfully.
For instance, Tanel Kiik of the Centre Party cracking a joke during a pre-election debate that Martin Helme, leader of the Estonian Conservative People's Party, "brightens up the debate" does little to help. Kiik's role as a politician necessitates presenting counterarguments, such as why the European Green Deal is not "the most aggressive redistribution of wealth since the Bolshevik Revolution," as Helme claimed.
The second vital component of successful dialogue is often underemphasized: alongside advocating our views, we must create room for others to voice theirs. Unfortunately, Estonian society faces significant challenges in this arena. The country's president, Alar Karis, struck a chord when he cautioned at a speech on the Day of Restoration of Independence that the ability to politely agree to disagree is waning. Too frequently, the idea of public discussion or political debate is reduced to the belief that expressing one's viewpoints as broadly as possible is the sole objective.
Limited Freedom of Expression
Before proceeding, I must emphasize the paramount importance of freedom of expression as a cornerstone of a free and democratic nation. Understanding Estonia's history and observing the suppressed voices worldwide, we must continue to safeguard this freedom daily.
Having said that, significant public discourse necessitates reciprocity: the ability to express your ideas confers the responsibility to listen to and strive to understand the ideas of others. Amassing opinions willy-nilly does not engender new insights, high-quality discussions, or meaningful decisions.
In my experience, the primary issue surrounding the culture of public discussion in Estonia can be partitioned into three broad categories.
At conferences or panel discussions, there is no tradition of asking questions or expressing opinions in public. Estonians diligently listen but tend to process the information internally. Perhaps they have a private conversation with a friend or close colleague afterward. Comprehending Estonia's history and the perils of speaking out in public spaces during the Soviet occupation, this persistence is understandable.
The second challenge overlaps: the chicken-and-egg dilemma of granting audiences the floor. Estonia boasts one of the highest income inequalities in the EU. This wealth disparity translates into public discussions that are often hierarchy-driven: the opening remarks are delivered by the highest-ranking person, followed by all the essential guest speakers, and there is time for "three concise questions." The moderator asks, "Does anyone have a question?" staring into the dark auditorium, pauses, and adds, "If not, I have some questions of my own."
Inability to Listen Actively
If we don't empower people to engage in public discussion, they won't raise their hand. Designing question-and-answer sessions at the end gives a clear message: "Nice that you showed up, dear audience, but this event isn't really about you — it's about the speakers."
Fortunately, there are dedicated individuals in Estonia striving to change this culture. Events like the Opinion Festival reinvigorate Paide into Estonia's largest public agora, while initiatives like Let's Do It! World catalyze World Cleanup Day. Additionally, the Citizen Initiative Portal, rahvaalgatus.ee, empowers people to bring important issues before the parliament.
The third concern is the absence of role models in participatory policy-making. New coalitions assume power with energy and ambition, which is beneficial in a democracy. However, they do so hastily, leaving civil organizations, businesses, and other members of society feeling sidelined. The inability (or unwillingness) to empathically listen to ordinary citizens, community leaders, NGOs, and businesses during periods between elections sets an example for young people: advocating for your vision is more essential than attempting to comprehend the perspectives of others.
We must prioritize education. During the first week of the school year, I stood in the middle of a sunlit auditorium surrounded by ninety students. We discussed the following question: "What would you do if you found a 20 euro bill on the street?" One student said: "I'd keep it." "But why?" I asked. "Because I found it," was the response. Another student posed a reservation: "Maybe you should look around first to see if anyone has lost the money."
Encouraging Meaningful Dialogue
Discussing philosophical questions — such as moral, social, or conceptual dilemmas — is vital if we want young people to grow into responsible and engaged citizens. Teaching critical thinking and discussion skills in schools is crucial for fostering active participation in any group or public discussion on relevant issues.
Many Estonians acknowledge this. However, there's a troubling trend: young Estonians grow up in a world that places a higher premium on speech than listening. Meanwhile, there are positive signs of change. Estonians are gradually embracing a more open dialogue culture in which speakers and audience roles are not as rigid as in the past.
I believe Estonia is prepared for a new style of leadership, grounded in empathy and collaborative communication skills. This country requires individuals who can work together, reshape their opinions, and forge consensus based on open dialogue with those around them. In the face of severe social, economic, geopolitical, and climatological challenges, simply displaying your vision and hoping people listen isn't sufficient anymore.
Let us empower the next generation to actively participate in any group or public discussion that matters to them. And to the current generation in power, I say: strive to be better role models. Engage in meaningful discussions with those around you repeatedly. When others speak, don't immediately ponder what you'll say next, but listen attentively instead.
- In the ongoing debates surrounding the Estonian parliament, the necessity of incorporating empathy and collaborative communication in leadership is becoming increasingly apparent.
- To effectively address the recurring crises in Estonian politics, decisions must be informed by the knowledge and challenges faced by the people, necessitating active listening and open dialogue among politicians.
- The government's role must transform from hurried policy implementation to one that seeks the input of the general public, fostering a culture of active citizenship.
- Understanding different perspectives and opinions is crucial for quality political dialogue and decision-making, as demonstrated by the instance of Tanel Kiik and Martin Helme during an election debate.
- One challenge facing Estonia is the limited freedom of expression in public discourse, a problem exacerbated by the waning ability to politely agree to disagree.
- Encouraging meaningful dialogue involves fostering an educational environment that promotes critical thinking, discussion skills, and empathy among youth, empowering them to participate actively in society.
- Culture change is possible in Estonia, as demonstrated by initiatives like the Opinion Festival, World Cleanup Day, and the Citizen Initiative Portal, which aim to foster open dialogue and active citizenship.
