Take a Brave Stand for Peace
Anthony Lee
We synchronize your Voices of Leadership. To communicate "Same Page, Same Vision, One Team"
This article is a commentary on the translated version of the speech delivered by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 2/23/2021. Translation was provided by Dominic Cruz Bustillos.
Hours before his country was attacked, Ukranian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered the most important presentation of his life. His message was directed both to the people of Ukraine and to the people of Russia. With the intention of connecting with both sides, he delivered his speech in Ukrianian and in Russian.
This speech has been shared online across the globe, touching hearts and minds everywhere. President Zelenskyy brought three elements that contributed to the global impact of his speech. He had clarity of vision for the big picture of peace, a strong connection to the values of his country, and a commitment to the vows contained in his oath of office.
As a leader for your team, your organization or your industry, let's discover how you can incorporate these three elements into your most important presentations.
Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP
Vision: The Big Picture
“Our main goal is peace in Ukraine and the safety of our people, Ukrainians. For that we are ready to have talks with anybody, in any format, on any platform."
In the midst of conflict, it is easy to reasons to find differences and reasons to disagree. The governments of Ukraine and Russia differ in the ways they chose to govern their citizens. The people of Ukraine elects their president, while a Russian ruler choses their president. Ukraine sees itself as an independent country, while Russia views them as a part of their collective territory.
To resolve conflict, a crucial first step is zooming out to see the big picture of a world that works for everyone. President Zelenskyy has a clear vision for future of his country. He is prepared to engage with anyone to discuss a peaceful co-existence between Ukraine and their Russian neighbors. With the big picture in mind, he is also prepared to discuss a future that is filled with rewarding collaborations, rich cultural exchanges, and thriving economies.
In times of uncertainty, we trust our leaders who can see the big picture and create win-win outcomes. As a leader, you may be tasked with resolving multiple conflicts when it comes to the future of your organization. Zoom out to see beyond today's conflicts and to envision tomorrow's possibilities.
Values: The Brave Stand
“We are talking about both peace and principles. About justice... The right to determine your own future, every society’s right to security, and every person’s right to live without threats.”
Common ground can always be found by identifying shared values. President Zelenskyy takes a brave stand for the values of peace, justice, freedom, security. As a starting point for constructive dialogue, he highlights values that are important to both countries.
These values also resonate with the global community of nations. By centering the conversation around these values, President Zelenskyy gained the attention of the the European Union, the United Nations, and influential world leaders. These like-minded organizations, countries and individuals all bring the capacity to lend financial, logistical and policy making support towards the attainment of these values.
In your leadership conversations, take a brave stand for shared values. When disagreements arise, realign the conversation to a discussion around shared values. When faced with difficult choices, make values-based decisions that can be more accepted and supported.
Vows: The Bold Promise
“The people of Ukraine want peace. The Ukranian authorities want peace. We want it. We make it. We do everything in our power."
As the conflict escalated, the United States government offered to help evacuate President Zelenskyy for his personal safety. He declined the offer, “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride,” and stay true to the bold promise he made to his people when he took the oath of office.
In his speech, he spoke as an Ukranian citizen, intending to fight alongside his countrymen. "If someone tries to take away our country, our freedom, our lives, the lives of our children—we will defend ourselves. Not attack. Defend ourselves. While attacking, you will see our faces. Not our backs. Our faces." After war had broken out, he uploaded a video of him and his leadership team in the streets of Kyiv, illustrating his vow to do everything in his power to restore peace.
As a leader, what vow will you make to those who follow your lead? What is the bold promise you make in service to your vision for the future?
The Workout: Take a Brave Stand for Peace
To support the peace efforts for the people of Ukraine, use your Heroic Voice and follow the examples found in President Zelenskyy 's speech:
VISION: SEE THE BIG PICTURE
Envision a peaceful outcome for all parties. Discuss the short term wins you see once peace is restored. Extend the conversation to the long term possibilities found in a peaceful coexistence between these two countries.
VALUES: TAKE A BRAVE STAND
Takes a brave stand for the values of peace, justice, freedom, security. Speak out when these values are threatened or violated. Celebrate the instances when these values are restored or elevated.
VOWS: MAKE A BOLD PROMISE
To support the resolution of this conflict, what is a bold promise you can make to the vision of a peaceful future? What elements of money, support and awareness can you bring to the people of Ukraine?
Elevate Your Conversational Leadership Skills?
The?Heroic Voice Academy?prepares clients for their high stakes presentations, including conference keynotes, TEDx presentations, conference trainings, investor presentations, and media interviews.
We elevate, amplify and unleash your Heroic Voice with?presentation training programs,?executive communications coaching, and?team centered masterclasses.
Join us every Thursday for a?Presentation Gym Workout. Share your vision for the future and learn how to engage the hearts and minds of your audiences.
Driving Culture & Leadership Transformation With Game Changing Conversations ? Talent Sustainability * C-Suite Competency * Author ? Board Adviser ? Keynote Speaker * GDI Mastery * Entreprenology Educator
2 年Anthony Lee thank you for this post, and article... we need to to step up to authentic harmony, respecting differences without getting walked over! #magicalconversations are co-creative spaces of non judgement, listening to all perspectives and using mind flow and compassion to seek the common truth of difficult topics.
LinkedIn Top Leadership Voice??? Founder?? Author?? Making Teamwork Work! ?? Future of Work Advocate ?? People Analytics ?? Data Utilization Expert ?? Building Great Places to Work ??
2 年Thanks for sharing this article!
Your Business Legacy: The most complete exit planning process available today!
2 年Thank you, Anthony, for drawing these qualities from his speech. There's one other quality here that I feel needs to be mentioned—one that underlies the three you described—and that's authenticity. More than just speaking the words, he owns them and what they stand for. Too many leaders say the "right" words and phrases, but do not own or live them. And, in most cases, their "followers" see this inauthenticity for what it really is.
Procurement Consultant Process & Optimization specializing in Resource Planning and Infrastructure Projects
2 年Excellent article Anthony, thank you for your appraisal of President Zelensky's leadership behavior, style and approach. His #HeroicVoice is certainly the strongest example of commitment, compassion and mission I have seen in my lifetime. I have always felt the most admirable people are those who rise up to meet the occasion, like those community leaders who are change agents for equality, peace, justice and hope.
Anthony, I really appreciate your article. This is a time for Heroic Voices to stand up! What is profoundly different about this war is the voice and engagement of millions of people who are committed to freedom and the sovereignty of nations. At your request for bold leadership, I suggest the following: 1. Avoid a direct military conflict with the Russian army. Maintain dialog with Russian military leaders and seek to split their support of Putin. 2. Foster a war of attrition. President Zelenskyy is now the voice of freedom for all those who NOW are willing to act to reject tyrants like Putin. He needs to set up a resistance government in exile. Disburse the Ukrainian fighters and create a network to channel military weapons where Russian forces can be attacked daily - putting the Russian army in a defensive position, sapping energy and the will of an army with little support and home or abroad. 3. Unite free nations to work with OPEC, US, and others energy sources with war-like urgency to stop all consumption of Russia energy. 4. Continue the disengagement of all forms of business with Russian businesses and especially technology related including virtual workers. 5. Offer Russian top talent visas to leave Russia and immigrate to free nations. 6. Use social networking to inform Russian citizens and foster dissent while safeguarding their identity. 7. Build up NATO forces particularly where rapid response is essential. 8. Offer Putin safe harbor is he chooses to resign. Putin has made a huge mistake. It is essential that the battle for Ukraine continue so that no puppet government can be effectively established. Those around Putin must be convinced they cannot win and the idea of redoing the Soviet Union is unworkable. It is key that our political leaders make the sustained commitment to stop Putin and demonstrate unwavering support for Zelenskyy and Ukrainians. . There is no room to politicize and divide our Nation over this issue. Instead, this is a time to wake up and unite as free-loving people.