“Nothing will come of it.” “You’ll see for yourself.” “We’ve been through all this before.”
How many times have we used these phrases to meet someone who still has the will to try? We say them with the certainty of people who know life, leaving our conversation partner to be disappointed and finally understand us.
Last night’s news from Serbia invites us to reconsider that certainty. Vučić conceded defeat, and citizens flooded the streets to celebrate. Those who were told their efforts were futile now have reason to rejoice because they kept going.
I also understand those who have lost faith. Some have paid dearly for their efforts. No one has the right to dictate to them how much longer they should have endured. But we must be careful not to turn our own disappointment into a judgment against anyone who still believes they can make a difference.
We can explain where we went wrong, what we failed to recognize, and what it cost us. After that, we must leave them room to decide for themselves.
And when they succeed, we can tell them, “It’s a good thing you didn’t listen to me.”
Serbia now has a reason to celebrate. The struggle is only beginning. We’ll have to make tough decisions, resolve lingering problems, and answer to people whose expectations are high. The trust earned at the polls will now be tested through our actions.
This is an opportunity for education to show how to lead.
That the decision-maker knows how to say, “I don’t know this. Call someone who does.” That they keep the expert who disagrees at the table and listen to the end. That, when they make a mistake, they go public and explain what happened, who is responsible, and how the mistake will be corrected.
That is how education shows up in decisions: entrusting a task to someone because they understand it better; stepping back from your own proposal when the other side’s arguments hold; acknowledging that your role does not make your view correct.
It will be hard to keep that stance toward the people who backed you but then start asking uncomfortable questions. That is when you will see how much the right to criticism—which you championed before you held the power to decide—is actually worth.
A citizen who seeks an explanation must receive an answer, even when their question tarnishes the image of success. A person who points out a mistake must be able to go to work calmly the next day. A journalist must be able to verify what they have been told.
Last night there was a celebration. Already today, someone will be seeking the first answer. The way they receive it will speak volumes about what has changed.
The opportunity has been given. Now we must show what a government looks like when a citizen can say, “You’re wrong,” and then have no reason to be afraid.
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