??Bringing Leaders out of Hiding

Leadership has been vital to human civilization, influencing everything from ancient empires to contemporary democracies. Extraordinary leaders have been instrumental in directing the course of history, promoting social and economic advancement, and instilling confidence in people to be their best selves. However, we are increasingly aware that, in our time, exceptional leadership is in short supply. So, where are the individuals that inspire us? How can we develop more great leaders? These are questions for those reflecting on the future of our society.

The decline of exceptional leaders may be attributed to a shift in leadership. Historically, leaders were regarded as heroic, possessing remarkable courage, wisdom, and charisma. Yet, in the modern era, leadership emphasizes managing complex systems and navigating political structures, resulting in a more bureaucratic approach. As a result, leaders are now evaluated more on their ability to manage processes and designs rather than on their characteristics.

The growing intricacy and interconnectivity of the world may influence the need for more exceptional leaders. Modern leaders encounter many hurdles, including climate change, economic disparity, political unpredictability, and technological advancements. Keeping up with the rapid pace of change and making significant advancements amidst a rapidly evolving environment is daunting, even for the most skilled and committed individuals.

Discovering exceptional leadership amidst obstacles is a rarity, but it indeed does exist, and we can look no further than Jacinda Ardern to see why. The Prime Minister of New Zealand has garnered global recognition for her prompt and considerate handling of the 2019 Christchurch Mosque shootings and her responsive leadership amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern's people-centric and inclusive approach to governing has sparked admiration and praise worldwide, proving that outstanding leadership can coexist with unwavering ethics.

Cultivating more great leaders can be achieved by emphasizing leadership development from an early age. The business world has demonstrated outstanding leadership through companies such as Patagonia and Unilever, who have made sustainability and social responsibility integral to their strategies. These companies have proven that prioritizing people and the planet does not impede profitability, inspiring others to adopt this approach.

By integrating leadership training into school and university curricula, students can develop the technical, interpersonal, and communication skills necessary for success and inspiring others. Additionally, we can create more opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to assume leadership positions. A narrow group of individuals with similar stages tends to dominate such roles. Diversifying our leadership class by including people from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds will broaden perspectives, utilize a broader range of talents, and ultimately lead to a more inclusive and representative society.

Acknowledging outstanding leaders is crucial in inspiring future leaders to rise. By highlighting their accomplishments, we can cultivate a virtuous cycle of leadership development. While the world faces a shortage of exceptional leaders, there's still hope. We must recognize modern leadership challenges and take definitive actions toward promoting excellence to ensure that great leaders become the norm, not the exception.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this personal newsletter are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the author's employer, management, or employees. The author is solely responsible for the content of this newsletter.

References

Hesselbein, F., & Goldsmith, M. (2009); Visions, strategies, and practices for the new era. John Wiley & Sons.

World Economic Forum. (2021). The Global Risks Report 2021, 16th Edition. Geneva: World Economic Forum.

BBC News. (2020, September 14). Jacinda Ardern: A leader for troubled times. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54194633 -

Henderson, R., & Gulati, R. (2019). Leading sustainable organizations. Harvard Business Review, 97(4), 44-53.

Day, D. V., Fleenor, J. W., Atwater, L. E., Sturm, R. E., & McKee, R. A. (2014). Advances in leader and leadership development: A review of 25 years of research and theory. The Leadership Quarterly, 25(1), 63-82.

Catalyst. (2021). Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter: Quick Take. https://www.catalyst.org/research/why-diversity-and-inclusion-matter-quick-take/?