How A Pandemic Showed Us A New Approach to Leadership

Who would have guessed that Covid-19 would create an international stage for women heads of state?

And they would show us how leadership can be refreshingly different than many of the approaches we’ve grown up with.

I deeply believe we need the authentic strengths of women leaders now more than ever.

I was pleasantly surprised when I came across more than one article written about the way six key women heads of state have led their countries during this time.

Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, the author in a Forbes article stated “these leaders are gifting us an attractive alternative way of wielding power.”

Power has been an issue for women leaders for a long time. Many of us have seen displays of power that we didn’t like. But were hard pressed to find a power alternative.

Here are four approaches these women leaders used to wield power in new (and I would say, better) ways.

They used the power of Truth.

Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany stood up early and calmly told her country that the virus is “serious” and they should “take it seriously.” Testing began right away. And the country avoided denial, anger and disingenuousness that has been seen elsewhere.

How refreshing!

They used the power of Decisiveness.

Tsai Ing-wen in Taiwan introduced 124 measures to block the spread at the first sign of a new illness. She did not need to resort to lockdowns.

Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand locked down early and was clear on the alert she was putting the country under and why it was necessary.

They used the power of Technology

Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir of Iceland offered free covid testing to all its citizens and instituted a thorough tracking system which kept them from having to lock down or shut schools.

The millennial head of state, Sanna Marin of Finland used social media influencers to spread fact-based information on managing the pandemic.

Fact-based information!

They used the power of Love. (my personal favorite)

Erna Solberg, Norway’s prime minister used TV to talk directly to her country’s children. She responded to kids’ questions and took the time to explain why it was OK to feel scared.

All these women leaders demonstrated the depth of their Emotional Intelligence. They communicated empathy and care because deep at their core they know we are human beings needing heart-felt connections and wanting the security of working together to fight an invisible enemy that we are all vulnerable to.

This is why I coach women leaders. I want more women, no matter where they are or what role they play to bring more of what is in their hearts to the tables and boardrooms of our organizations.

They create meaningful and much needed actions that our world is literally dying for.

Reach out to me to explore what meaningful and much needed actions are in your heart to contribute to our world. You have more to offer than you realize.

Until Next Time,

Dr. Rita
612-598-6614
Rita@WiseLeader.net​

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