The Inspiring Pragmatism of a Humming David Cameron

Keep Calm and Carry On.

He strides out into Downing St. to address the world’s press and announce his departure as Prime Minister two months earlier than expected. Having only recently suffered a humiliating election defeat which would see him lose power 3 years sooner than planned.

He turns around and strolls swiftly back inside. He is caught on mic humming an upbeat tune to himself. The famous black gloss door is closed behind him. He is heard saying a defiant, proud, pragmatic, prim and proper:

‘Right’

His tone clear. “What’s Next?”

Seconds earlier he had set a 40 hour countdown in motion. One which would end with his return to normalcy from having been one of the top few most powerful people on earth. He’d no longer be a global leader in charge of the 6th largest economy, no longer have a finger on a blistering nuclear arsenal. The sheer scale of what he had just lost is hard to overestimate.

Nonetheless. He delivers what must have personally been a devastating announcement and within moments clears his head, puts himself in state, gives himself a defiant ‘Right’.

Chapter Closed. What’s Next.

Pragmatism at its finest. We can learn a lot from his frame and mental model.

Life is short. Shit happens. Take everything in your stride. Chin up. Shoulders back. There is much work to be done.