Out of the most devasting act of terror we were gifted such profound lessons in what leadership is about. Confronted with the tragic loss of 51 lives the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardhern demonstrated an extraordinary fusion of toughness and empathy. Her highly instinctive leadership disarmingly empowering. She immediately declared gun laws needed to be toughened up (and they have been!). She also demonstrated the most simple act of compassion and empathy. The day after the massacre she met with members of the Muslim community, wearing a hijab, embracing the community symbolically and literally. Each word, each hug declaring to the world that in an increasingly fragmented and self-interested world we need to care for each other more than ever. When the global media began praising her style of leadership, she responded: ‘I don’t think I’m displaying leadership. I just think that I’m displaying humanity.”
Interesting thought, displaying humanity. Seems so obvious, but sadly self-interest regularly gets in the way. But is is worth pondering the question in whatever leadership role we have – how am I doing on the humanity scale? What level of empathy and understanding do I afford others? List 5 ways my humanity has shined through in the past week.
What is interesting with Jacinda Ardhern is that humanity seems to her default position. What a great platform to operate from!
Interesting thought, displaying humanity. Seems so obvious, but sadly self-interest regularly gets in the way. But is is worth pondering the question in whatever leadership role we have – how am I doing on the humanity scale? What level of empathy and understanding do I afford others? List 5 ways your humanity has shined through in the past week.