Best practices we can learn from this head of state
It was Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin who said that among the most important leadership qualities are empathy, resilience, listening skills, humility, and self-reflection.
Although presidents can be host to any number of different personality traits, perfect attendance is always a green flag.
Vice President Leni Robredo said it best: “The number one ingredient of leadership, aside from character, is you show up in the most difficult times.”
Anyone can argue about the number-one ingredient of leadership, but we can all agree that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine represents the most difficult times.
This is why Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky gained global attention for his administration’s response to the Russian invasion.
Here’s what we can learn from him.
The Artist Of War
From top to bottom, a leader can come from anywhere.
Zelensky was an actor and comedian prior to the presidency. He was elected into office in 2019 despite being a political novice due to his popular anti-corruption platform that won him a landslide victory over his incumbent opponent.
Despite attempts to belittle his presidential qualifications due to his career as an entertainer, he had actually studied at the local campus of Kyiv National Economic University, graduating with a law degree in 2000.
Straight Arrow
Zelensky is firm when it comes to representing the political interests of his constituency.
His first foreign policy challenge just days into office was Vladimir Putin offering Russian passports to Ukrainian citizens in separatist-controlled areas in the war-torn east.
The Ukraine president ridiculed the offer and extended citizenship to Russians and others “who suffer from authoritarian or corrupt regimes.”
Calling The Shots
The Russian invasion belied Putin’s word that monthslong military buildup along its border with Ukraine had no such intent.
Russia treacherously attacked our state in the morning, as Nazi Germany did in #2WW years. As of today, our countries are on different sides of world history. 🇷🇺 has embarked on a path of evil, but 🇺🇦 is defending itself & won’t give up its freedom no matter what Moscow thinks.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022
Nonetheless, Zelensky was a step ahead of Russia’s head start.
He promptly delivered a televised plea for peace addressed to the Russian population, rallied support from the international community, and warned that a “new Iron Curtain” was descending on Europe.
As 🇷🇺 continues to attack Kyiv, the draft resolution is co-sponsored by an unprecedented number of 🇺🇳 Member States. This proves: the world is with us, the truth is with us, the victory will be ours 🇺🇦!
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 25, 2022
Grace Under Gunfire
Aside from calling for peace and help, Zelensky was ready to defend his country. He called on all citizens who were prepared to do the same to come forward.
Ukraine has submitted its application against Russia to the ICJ. Russia must be held accountable for manipulating the notion of genocide to justify aggression. We request an urgent decision ordering Russia to cease military activity now and expect trials to start next week.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 27, 2022
The capital of Kyiv issued weapons to Ukrainians to defend their country from invading Russian forces.
We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022
On the other side of the fence, he appealed to Russians to protest against the war.
We have severed diplomatic relations with Russia. For all those who have not yet lost their conscience in Russia, it is time to go out and protest against the war with Ukraine.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2022
Leading By Example
Furthermore, the leader doesn’t simply bark orders from an ivory tower.
Zelensky fights alongside his men. Putin can’t trust his own officials to be within 20ft of him.
Zelensky is a true leader and will go down in history as a hero. Glory to Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/AYzQ6aAX3w
— Gina Darling (@MissGinaDarling) March 1, 2022
Zelensky chose to stay with his people in the capital, even shooting a video from the streets of Kyiv.
This is while acknowledging that he is Russia’s number-one target, with his wife and children—also staying put in Ukraine—right next to his name on the kill list.
Yesterday, while we were sitting in a bomb shelter, everyone glued to their phones, someone turned on the latest video by Ukraine’s president Zelensky. There were all the right words in it to lift our spirits. I am grateful our country has such a great leader in these tough times pic.twitter.com/s8A6crMvTt
— Olga Tokariuk (@olgatokariuk) March 1, 2022
Banner Photo by Volodymyr Zelensky via Instagram
