President Zelensky Leads

Readers of this newsletter know that the fundamentals of leadership are always the same. Each particular leader’s style and personality differ, the circumstances requiring leadership differ, the challenges and problems differ, the context differs. Nevertheless, leadership always requires the same things, and we know leaders when we see them for the same reasons.

As the war in Ukraine drags on, we are reminded of these fundamentals.

1. Leadership is not about power, title or position. Vladimir Putin has enormous power and all the titles and trappings that go along with that power. And yet, as he sits at his ridiculously long table surrounded by opulence and yes-men, it is obvious he does not lead. He commands, he terrifies, he subjugates, but he does not lead. While he demands deference, he does not earn respect.
2. The highest calling of a leader is to unlock potential in others. President Volodymyr Zelensky has held the title and power of a presidency for several years, but this is not why the world now sees him as a leader. He is a leader because he invests all of his energy into unlocking potential in others: the potential of his people for resistance; the potential of other nations for steadfast and significant support; the potential of all of us to remember that some principles and ideals are worth fighting for.
3. Leaders display the courage to face reality and the candor to describe that reality. Why has President Zelensky been so effective at rallying his people and the world? Because when the circumstances changed and Russia actually invaded, he quickly pivoted from a belief that this would not happen to instead fully accepting the Current State of war and the hard choices that were now necessary. He has bluntly described this reality in a complete, candid, compelling, consistent way so that no one can misunderstand where we are.
4. Leaders have the fortitude to ask of themselves what they ask of others. President Zelensky does not preside. He has done what he is asking his people to do. He and his family have stayed in harm’s way and resisted. He is one among many. While he has a particular role to play, he knows that others’ roles are equally necessary and important.
5. Leaders do not focus on themselves but on the outcomes they must achieve. While many others call him a hero, President Zelensky always turns this attention towards others. He reminds the world of the courage and sacrifice of Ukrainians, and the important role other nations must play. Despite all the enormous setbacks and difficulties, he continues to point towards an aspirational Future State: a free and sovereign Ukraine; a European continent and a NATO alliance with renewed purpose; a rapacious Russia that is contained. He does not hesitate to challenge others to play their required role. He is looking for accountability and results.

Your own circumstances are probably vastly different than an invasion and ground war. You may think that your leadership doesn’t matter. Leadership in any set of circumstances always matters. It is the only catalyst to change things for the better. When President Zelensky was a comedian, no one would have predicted that he would become a historic figure, and a leader who inspires the world. He reminds us of one last truth about leadership. Anyone can lead. In the end, leadership is always a choice.