Members remember: it really is good to talk

You’d go in, speak to people who were just like you and who you got along with, and ignore everyone else – especially those who hold opposing views to yourself, even if your job required you to work with them.

Sure, it may be all right for a few days, but when your boss notices, they won’t be very impressed, will they? And what about your colleagues? I imagine a few of them might start to think differently of the new, judgmental and close-minded you.

Of course, there are always people in life who aren’t quite our cup of tea. Sometimes we even fall out with people to the extent that we really do not want anything to do with them again.

But – and here’s the important bit – as professionals in a working environment, in the main we do our best to leave our differences outside the office.

Those who don’t, not only become increasingly unpopular among their peers, and in turn are at risk of being isolated themselves, but when it comes to promotions, appraisals and references their unprofessionalism is sure to be a factor.

In addition, just think what that kind of working environment, where employees refuse to get on with each other, would do to a business.

Now, imagine that the States Chamber is a workplace. Oh, wait – it is. Now imagine that the politicians are employees. Oh, wait – again, they are. And imagine some of them decided they weren’t going to speak to some of their colleagues simply because they didn’t like what they stood for.

Yep, you’ve got it. That’s exactly what happens: some politicians completely ignore some of their colleagues, even new Members whom they hardly even know and sometimes even their fellow parish representatives.

And when I say completely ignore, I mean that. No ‘good morning’ or ‘how are you?’ as they relax in the (currently drying out from being flooded) Members’ room, not even a bit of mindless chit-chat at parish events.

I may be naive, but that fact really shocked me. I was shocked that they (and by that I mean a small number of Members) could behave so unprofessionally. I was surprised that they could be so childish (yes, I know, I should have known better), and I was angry that people who were being paid around £45,000 a year out of the public purse could be putting their personal insecurities before the greater good of the Island.

But there are a group of States Members determined not to let this kind of behaviour, which is currently limited to just a few, become the norm. They call themselves The Class Of Eleven and are made up of the newest Members of the Assembly plus a couple of familiar faces (Senators Sir Philip Bailhache and Lyndon Farnham) who made a return to the States in October.

What they do is really very simple: they get together from time to time to socialise, have a chat about how things are going and basically keep the lines of communication and support open.

And in a world as lonely as Jersey politics, this can only ever be a good thing.

So far, they have had breakfasts, drinks for them and their partners, and planned days out together. There isn’t really a theme to each occasion, but invariably one or two of them will take the helm in the hope of giving their colleagues an insight into the working of the States from their perspective, whether it be as a member of Scrutiny, as a Constable or whether it is to do with a particular department.

SOME of the longer-serving Members have eyed this group with suspicion. They worry it is a kind of de facto political party. But with so many different viewpoints, such a variety of political leanings and opinions, and with so many different personalities, it could never be such a thing.

Instead, it is simply what it says on the tin: a way for The Class Of Eleven to keep in touch with what is going on throughout the States, a way for our newest Members to learn, and, most importantly a way to ensure that they don’t become isolated in the great big political machine.

Whoever came up with the idea deserves a pat on the back. The group do, however, have to be careful not to inadvertently alienate the rest of the House. But currently, this seems an unlikely possibility given the general and relaxed nature of the get-togethers and the well-meaning intentions behind them.

If anything, their colleagues should view The Class Of Eleven with respect and perhaps some of their enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to make an effort with people they may not necessarily agree with politically could rub off on some of their colleagues.