A Leader for Our Times: Zelensky’s Empathy, Courage, and Vulnerability
By necessity, the old rulebook for leadership has given way to an urgent new direction. The top-down, leader-knows-all template that reigned for decades no longer resonates in light of the changing environment and seismic shifts from world events. Today’s needs and values call for nothing less than a values-based model of leadership that reflects the dramatic changes around us. This new leadership model is what individuals and teams now demand in order to respect and follow their leaders: qualities like empathy, courage, vulnerability, commitment, calm, humility, and transparency.
I’ve personally been inspired by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky with respect to the changing face of what constitutes effective leadership. Consider the following takeaways as you rethink whether your own leadership style may need some finetuning to help you connect better with your own constituencies and lead in a way that today’s top talent now requires.
Anyone Can Become a Leader
The old leadership model subscribed to the view that certain types of people with specific traditional backgrounds were best suited for leading roles. Zelensky’s career path, on the other hand, helps shift perspectives in understanding that anyone can leverage their background to become a leader. In his case, Zelensky came from an unexpected experience base for his presidential role leading a nation: he was previously a comedian and performer whose roles included serving as the voice of Paddington Bear in the Ukrainian version of the program.
Yet he found a way to parlay the strengths needed in acting to communicate effectively with world leaders and deliver impassioned political speeches. While the communication skills required to be a good comic certainly help in Zelensky’s verbal delivery on a global stage, the point is not that performers can transition their skills to become great leaders but that anyone can start from where they are and evolve into an important leadership position.
New Leadership Calling Cards: Courage, Commitment, and Calm
Zelensky has demonstrated a number of key qualities that any leader today can learn from and adopt. Today’s “3 C’s” of leadership—all of which the Ukrainian president exhibits—are courage, commitment, and calm. All of these attributes were on full display during Zelensky’s March 16 speech to Congress, during which he appealed to U.S. congressional leaders for aid against Russian invasion and attacks.
His relentless courage and commitment to his country were revealed by the fact that he is staying in the line of fire with his people rather than being safely evacuated, and his calm in the center of chaos was reflected in the delivery and content of his urgent message. Rather than turning away from a crisis, Zelensky continued to be an active leader to protect the people of Ukraine and their country. His unshakeable commitment and strength under the direst of circumstances helps draw other leaders toward him, building loyalty and opening the door for fulfillment of his requests, as people are looking for leaders who can radiate calm under pressure and not lose sight of their core values during chaos, crisis, or change. By leading with his True North to guide him, Zelensky becomes a purposeful leader who considers not just profit and performance but people.
Leading with Empathy, Vulnerability, and Inclusion
Zelensky displays the critical ability to not only understand and reflect on his own values, but also to link these to his team, the Ukrainian people, and leaders and citizens worldwide. He is not just a leader who governs from the helm but leads with empathy and humility. This was very visible in his March 16 speech, when the president began the first 17 minutes of his speech focusing on the needs and experiences of his audience. Before sharing details of his country’s own plight, he first made the connection with the U.S. leaders by reminding them of points in history when Americans faced similar tribulations, to help create the bond of empathy before making any requests.
His desire to connect with his listeners was so strong that he also showed a willingness to be vulnerable, giving part of his speech in less-than-perfect English rather than in his own first language, leaving his comfort zone to meet others in theirs. These actions showcase values-based leadership: the ability to understand and reflect on values and target them to identify with the people of Ukraine and those around them. Zelensky’s speech to Congress also revealed him to be intentional about being a part of the team rather than a domineering leader, showing humility and respect for others. He communicates with transparency rather than hiding behind difficult conversations.
In your own organization and teams, how are you leading others through challenging or disruptive times? Sometimes it takes a crisis to change the lens of leadership—and dealing with crisis and upheaval is something that most of today’s leaders have in common. What are some ways you can channel the lessons from Zelensky to increase your empathy and values-based leadership skills? I’d love to hear about what’s working for you—and areas in which where you may need more support to adjust your leadership model to reflect today’s urgent new demands.
Contact me at info@shambaughleadership.com or link to SHAMBAUGH’s offerings to learn more about Executive Coaching, High Impact Development Solutions for Women Leaders, and Fundamentals of Leadership in the New Workplace Environment. I’d be happy to speak at your company on how women can champion their life/career and lean into their highest leadership.
Rebecca Shambaugh is President of SHAMBAUGH Leadership, and Founder of Women in Leadership and Learning. Rebecca is a contributing writer to Harvard Business Review, the HuffPost, and a TEDx speaker. Rebecca has been featured on CNBC, Forbes, Training Magazine, and US News and World Report. She is author of the best-selling books It’s Not a Glass Ceiling, It’s a Sticky Floor and Make Room for Her: Why Companies Need an Integrated Leadership Model to Achieve Extraordinary Results.
Leave a Reply