A Different Filter
Whilst other media across the globe have acknowledged the Prime Minister for how she has so admirably handled the massacre in Christchurch, Jacinda Ardern’s response is representative of a key leadership quality – ‘humility’.
Ardern has downplayed her own role in the nation’s grieving and in an interview, stated:
“I don’t think I’m displaying leadership. I just think I’m displaying humanity. She went on to say:
“In politics we can choose to model behaviour… I genuinely believe that all I am modelling are the values of New Zealanders. On every occasion when I’ve had an opportunity to share words, all I’ve reflected in my mind is: ‘What are New Zealanders feeling right now? What are the words I’m hearing expressed around me? How do we all feel?'”
The quality of questions asked here represent a very different mindset from other leaders responding to similar events in the past.
A focus on others.
What people are feeling, as well as listening to what is being said, and taking action to ensure they felt heard and acknowledged.
This is what leaders of the future will need to embody, if we are to create a new way of being, not just doing. To create a deeper sense of belonging, of connection, which has been lost in many parts of the globe, in many parts of society and definitely in many organisations. A connection to what it is that truly matters.
Ardern’s questions could just as easily be asked by leaders in organisations:
• What are my people feeling right now?
• What am I hearing being expressed around me?
• How do we all feel?
A leader is an integral ‘part’ of the organisation, and key to shaping the story of the organisation – futuring it for the long term. The archetype they embody is influential in this process.
At the heart of this is the narrative, and the leader’s ability to shape the narrative in positive language – move towards what we want – not – move way from we don’t want.
As a colleague recently said ‘it is time to give birth to new archetypes who mirror the true essence of a tolerant cohesive society beyond fear and division so we can co-participate in our next great REFORMATION. ‘
There certainly does seem to be much ‘reforming’ happening. It is time to create a more inclusive society, not looking at others but at ‘ourselves’ and how we as leaders, in whichever form we lead, or act as leaders, understand the qualities we are embracing, and their impact in our engagement with people who may be looking to us for direction.
The Christchurch massacre in March has given an example of this healthy strong compassionate new archetype and her name is Jacinda Ardern, the PM of New Zealand.
She deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for exemplifying the true nature of a leader for our new age. A new century is just around the corner!
This is not what Ardern was envisaging. She is living out her core values.
You may recall that these values were criticised at the beginning of her term as Prime Minister of New Zealand.
“If there had been quiet criticism in some circles that she was an inexperienced leader with as much stardust as substance, that has now been put to rest. Ardern has been a commanding figure of poise, compassion and strength, a textbook example to other world leaders about how to respond in the face of mass casualty terrorist attacks.”
Some are still criticising these qualities because seeing this new archetype in action – the response of the people, from all walks of life, from all aspects of society in Christchurch, New Zealand and many other parts of the globe challenges them. As a leader who is able to demonstrate strength of conviction and strong compassion for those impacted directly or indirectly, Ardern has demonstrated the capacity and courage to Stand Tall. To Stand Tall in who she is and what she deeply believes in. In the words of the Dalai Lama: ‘right words, right intent and right action.’
“She followed her instincts, she listened to her heart, she was guided by empathy and by the humane values and virtues she has probably cultivated all her life.”
A young lawyer I had the privilege to work with expressed this beautifully:
“Work hard. Be kind and humble, but know your worth. Make sure you’re both respectful and respected. And above all else, recognise early on that your integrity is everything in this profession.”
This can apply to any field, especially for young women. Learning to Stand Tall in one’s truth, respecting both themselves and the contribution they make.
As mentioned in my January blog, it is a time for RESET. Many things are falling apart, or at least into some level of disarray. Uncertainty has increased exponentially. People are definitely feeling disconnected and looking to reconnect.
• Do we notice when our language does not support us? Or others?
• Are we aware of the context and the impact of our actions?
• What qualities as a leader are you intending to embody?
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