I still can't believe the events that have transpired in Canberra over the last 7 days.

Needless to say, to think that the incredible events surrounding the demise of Kevin Rudd and corresponding rise of Julia Gillard began just seven days ago is more than a little naïve. Commentators are still analysing what happened and why, and no doubt will for some time to come.

I thought I'd use this week's column to continue and expand Jeremy's discussion (Global Earthquake led to Rudd's Fall) about what, if anything, may be learnt from recent Federal Politics as we think about running local churches and the Diocese.

I offer the following interrelated observations, in no particular order:

1. You must bring people with you, including those closest to you.

It is now clear that Rudd failed to bring his own party in the direction he wished to pursue. In the short term, and on some issues, failings in this area may be overlooked. But what you don't always see is the growing resentment that will come back to bite you.

2. Micro-managing may yield short term results, but rarely breeds long term confidence.

Rudd's workaholism and attention to detail are becoming increasingly documented - and begrudged. He may have churned through enormous amounts of material, but clearly failed to develop a group that between them could achieve even more as a team. It is worth adding that at the church level, leaders have a theological imperative to lead, develop and encourage the body of Christ.

3. There is a fine but necessary line between Vision and Reality.

Talk continues of Rudd's extreme hyperbole about an extreme number of things. It was impossible to deliver on all fronts, and it is this failure to deliver that had a big part to play in his removal. His Vision that so inspired people at one stage needed a dose of Reality. Both were necessary.

4. Timing is critical.

Malcolm Turnball argued that one of Rudd's tactical mistakes was not to call a double dissolution election on the ETS issue. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Labour probably would have won a double dissolution election, together with a national mandate on the ETS issue, as well as proving an ability to deliver. In simply a matter of a few months , the tide turned so incredibly. Maybe too many churches wait too long to do things they know they should, or quite simply don't seize the moment.

5. The 'corporate cause' is more important than an individual.

While many find the manner and speed in which Rudd was deposed quite disturbing, the Government felt the corporate cause of governing and going to the next election was more important than any individual. Some former Prime Ministers are said to have stayed in power for too long when they should have handed over to the younger for the sake of the corporate cause.

6. Do not be ignorant of what is happening around you, but be careful of how you find that out.

7. Make the most of your 'honeymoon period'.

Well, OK - this is more of a prediction. Politically, Gillard should call an election soon to make the most of her honeymoon period as Prime Minister. The longer that time passes, the more she has to lose and the greater the risk of the popular perception turning into 'more of the same'. (By the way, I have heard someone say 'Not married. No honeymoon.')

I stop at seven, for convenience (not because it is the number for completeness!).

Feel free to add to the list, or subtract from the list. Are any of these observations unhelpful for church leaders?