We often hear councillors say, “I’m just passionate.” And that’s usually true. Passion is what drives people to run for office, give up evenings, and fight for their communities. But in our consultancy experience, passion without discipline often tips into disruption and the line between the two is thinner than people realise.
Why Passion is Essential
Local government needs people who care. We need energy in the room, people willing to question decisions, and councillors who won’t let complacency take root. But…
When Passion Becomes the Problem
We’ve worked with councils where:
- Meetings are hijacked by soapbox speeches.
- Officers feel intimidated, belittled, or second-guessed.
- Good decisions are delayed because one person “won’t let it go.”
- Residents leave meetings more confused than informed.
In all these cases, the disruption was justified under the banner of “I’m just standing up for what I believe in.”
But passion isn’t a free pass. Councillors sign up to a Code of Conduct for a reason — to model respectful behaviour and promote effective decision-making. Disruption, even if well-intentioned, erodes trust and paralyses governance.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I trying to solve the issue or win the argument?
- Have I raised this before? If so, am I now disrupting, not contributing?
- Would I behave like this in any other professional setting?
Councils Must Set the Tone
The most effective councils:
- Have strong Chairs who balance space for debate with focus on business.
- Revisit their Code of Conduct in practical ways, not just at induction.
- Make civility and respect more than just buzzwords.
Disruption often comes from frustration, a sense that no one’s listening. That’s real, and it needs to be acknowledged. But unmanaged disruption can do more harm than good, especially to the very causes councillors are passionate about.
What Passion Looks Like When It’s Working:
- Focusing on solutions, not personalities.
- Being consistent, not performative.
- Knowing when to push and when to let go.
Passion can light the way. But it can scorch relationships, meetings, and reputations. The best councillors know how to harness passion without letting it take over the room.