What is PANDEMIC LEADERSHIP?
Shortly after the pandemic started and the world went into "shut down" it quickly became clear to Sandy and I that some of our most reliable sources of inspiration had gone into hibernation ... the days of hitting up the yoga studio, a trivia night, the nail salon, or even a commute to work while listening to a podcast were no more.
Knowing that we could quickly enter a space of depletion we began to ask ourselves a critical question: What am I inspired by in the new NOW?
This is a critical question because as leaders we are responsible for our own sources of inspiration, and INSPIRATION IN = INSPIRATION OUT. Equally important, depletion in = depletion out. Now more than ever we need to be tracking our sources of inspiration.
So, Sandy and I quickly started to span the globe. We chose to find leaders that are, from our point-of-view, bright lights during this time. In the NEW NOW we are inspired by leaders such as German Chancellor, Angela Merkel or New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Figuring that our readers may be in need of a new source of inspiration, we are sharing with you our most favorite moments from the past two months.
THIS IS PANDEMIC LEADERSHIP:
NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo
Leadership at its best: Governor Cuomo has doubled down on the power of saying "I don't know". As leaders, one of the most courageous actions we can take is to say "I don't know". Yes, this takes a large amount of vulnerability, empathy, and curiosity. Yes, this comes with uncertainty. Yet it also comes with a level of possibility.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Leadership at its best: Prime Minister Ardern is a phenomenal example of precision speaking. Each word is spoken with intention and clarity - in fact you could charge the Prime Minister $20 USD for every word she says; that is how intentional she is in her speaking. Now more than ever we need to speak precisely as leaders - because our words create our world.
President Ramaphosa of South Africa
Leadership at its best: President Ramaphosa speaks the whole truth in a way it can be heard, and does not shy away from speaking the truth. He leads from the present, dealing in "as is reality". He also does not shy away from using powerful words such as "courage" and "compassion".
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel
Leadership at its best: Angela Merkel is a leader in communicating the urgency for action without alarm. She demonstrates reason, rationale and responsibility for all. There is no blame, hesitation or "sugar coating" of speaking the truth, in a relatable way for people to quickly understand and follow.
So, now we ask you - WHO are you inspired by in this new NOW?
What leaders around the world are "breathing life" into you?
