The Omni-Integra Thought Leadership Series - Jacinda Ardern: Leadership Through Humility and Humanity

Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, carved a unique space in global politics with her remarkable combination of empathy, decisiveness, and an unconventional leadership style. She led New Zealand during times of immense national and global challenges, including the Christchurch terrorist attack, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic downturns. However, her leadership is not only defined by the crises she navigated but by the deeply human qualities that underpinned her approach to governance.

This article explores Jacinda Ardern’s leadership style, personality, and methodologies, examining how these contributed to her success. It will also offer lessons for future leaders—of nations, corporations, and individuals—by drawing on key examples from her time in office.

Empathy as a Cornerstone of Leadership

One of Ardern’s most distinctive qualities is her ability to lead with empathy. Her response to the Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019, where 51 people were killed, exemplified this approach. Rather than responding with anger or authoritarianism, Ardern offered solace to the grieving Muslim community by donning a hijab as a mark of respect and by speaking words of solidarity and compassion. She declared, “They are us,” emphasizing that the victims were an integral part of New Zealand’s fabric. This act of empathy resonated deeply, both within the country and across the world.

Ardern’s focus on human connection—whether with her constituents, colleagues, or adversaries—set her apart from many of her political counterparts. Where some leaders project strength through distance or intimidation, Ardern built trust by being approachable and relatable. This style created a greater sense of community and fostered public trust in her decisions. Her leadership offers an important lesson to future leaders: empathy is not a weakness but a powerful tool that can unite and heal societies during times of division and crisis.

Balancing Leadership and Personal Life

Ardern also became a global symbol for women in leadership by becoming the second head of government to give birth while in office, after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto. Her decision to take maternity leave while running a country was groundbreaking, normalizing the idea that women can lead while embracing their roles as mothers. Her actions provided a model for balancing personal and professional lives, especially for women in positions of power who have often felt pressured to choose between the two.

Her openness about motherhood and leadership made her relatable and set an example for other leaders on how to integrate their personal lives with their professional responsibilities. By sharing her experiences, she broke down traditional gender barriers and provided hope for future generations of women aspiring to leadership roles. Ardern’s story is a powerful reminder that being a leader does not require sacrificing one’s personal identity or family life; instead, it is possible to create a harmony that strengthens both.

Leading With Humility

Throughout her tenure, Ardern demonstrated a remarkable degree of humility, an uncommon trait in national leadership. Her decision to step down as Prime Minister in January 2023 was a reflection of this humility. Ardern explained that she no longer felt she had “enough in the tank” to continue leading effectively, stating that leaders should step down when they feel it is time, rather than clinging to power.

This decision to resign, despite her continued popularity, speaks to her deep sense of responsibility and self-awareness. Ardern’s humility is a sharp contrast to many political leaders who remain in power long after their ability to lead has diminished. In stepping down voluntarily, she displayed a rare kind of strength—one that acknowledged the limits of personal capacity and prioritized the country’s future over personal ambition. Her exit provides a crucial lesson for leaders: knowing when to leave can be as important as knowing how to lead.

A Modern Approach to Inclusivity and Diversity

One of the cornerstones of Ardern’s leadership was her commitment to inclusivity. Ardern emphasized the importance of embracing New Zealand’s indigenous Māori population and their culture. She often used Māori greetings in her speeches and ensured that her government included Māori voices in decision-making processes. Her efforts to respect and integrate indigenous traditions into modern governance were a clear acknowledgment of New Zealand’s diverse population.

Ardern’s approach to inclusivity also extended to her handling of immigration policies and social issues. She advocated for progressive policies, such as increasing the refugee intake, focusing on climate change, and implementing social welfare programs. Ardern’s leadership style emphasized equality and fairness, a stark contrast to the more protectionist and exclusionary policies of some other world leaders during the same period.

This inclusive approach provides a blueprint for future leaders: by recognizing and celebrating diversity, leaders can create stronger, more unified nations. Ardern’s ability to bring people together across different backgrounds is a lesson in how inclusivity fosters a sense of shared purpose, paving the way for sustainable and equitable progress.

Crisis Management Through Compassion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ardern’s leadership was again tested. New Zealand’s initial success in containing the virus was largely attributed to Ardern’s decisive action and clear communication. Her government implemented some of the strictest lockdown measures in the world, and Ardern was praised for the clarity and transparency with which she communicated these decisions. Her daily Facebook Live updates, where she would speak directly to New Zealanders from her home, created a sense of solidarity and trust during a time of great uncertainty.

In contrast to many global leaders who adopted aggressive or adversarial tones during the pandemic, Ardern led with compassion. Her focus was not only on protecting public health but also on maintaining a sense of community. Her approach offers valuable lessons for crisis management: transparency, clear communication, and compassion are key to maintaining public trust and cooperation.

Methodologies and Frameworks for Future Leaders

Ardern’s leadership style can be summarized in several key methodologies that future leaders—whether of nations, corporations, or communities—can adopt:

1. Lead with empathy: Understanding and addressing the emotional needs of constituents builds trust and strengthens bonds between leaders and followers.

2. Integrate personal and professional life: By being open about her personal challenges, Ardern modeled that leaders do not need to sacrifice their personal lives to be effective.

3. Stay humble: Recognizing the limits of one’s leadership capacity and stepping aside when necessary is a sign of strength, not weakness.

4. Prioritize inclusivity: Ensuring that all voices are heard and valued creates a more unified, cohesive society.

5. Communicate with transparency: Especially in times of crisis, clear and honest communication fosters trust and cooperation.

A Legacy of Compassionate Leadership

Jacinda Ardern’s legacy will be remembered for her ability to lead with empathy, humility, and inclusivity. Her leadership style offers a new model for leaders in the 21st century—one that emphasizes the importance of human connection, transparency, and respect for diversity. Future leaders of nations, corporations, and individuals can learn from Ardern’s example: true leadership is not about power or control, but about serving people with compassion and integrity.