Is The Mayor of Toronto Actually a Great Leader?

What is Rob Ford’s magic? As the senior executive manager of the City of Toronto, he has lurched from one credibility crisis to another. He was almost ejected from his role for conflict of interest in 2010, then embarked on a slippery descent into ridicule, and finally was caught outright lying after his admission that he smoked crack while in a “drunken stupor”. If that wasn’t enough, a video recently surfaced showing him ranting, out of control, shouting that he wanted to kill someone. It looks as if he is on an expressway to political self-immolation.

But this descent to obscurity may not be what it seems. For throughout this apparent debacle, his approval ratings have remained stable. What is Mayor Ford’s leadership magic that enables him to hold onto, and even increase, his support despite the litany of follies?

He appears gifted in representing himself as a leader of his supporters’ values. Rob Ford clearly has the ability to elicit understanding and empathy from a considerable swathe of voters, allowing them to look beyond his obvious missteps. His followers have even coined the description “Ford Nation” to describe themselves. This “nation” is his backbone of support and Mr. Ford has shown brilliant leadership in keeping it solidly behind him. I personally don’t understand what his royal jelly is, but leaders connect with their followers, gain their support, and point the way forward; Ford Nation has firmly connected with its leader and follows him faithfully.

One last thought: we can draw parallels between Ford Nation and London during the Blitz in WW2. Any nation under sustained bombardment tends to pull together and harden its heart against the attacker – in Mayor Ford’s case, a very persistent, unforgiving media. Until the bombing stops, Ford Nation will hold fast in supporting their man. Is Rob Ford the Churchill of Ford Nation?

Nick Forrest