Volodymyr Zelinskyy’s Power of the Heart

Examples of the misuse of power are in the news on a daily basis, whether on the political, corporate, or world stage. Instances of patriarchal ‘command and control’ leadership abound.? Is this an effective use of power? The answer depends on whether we ask those that wield that type of power or those who are under the influence of it.

We all have power in varying capacities and contexts, but lots of men hold a disproportionate amount of power (largely by virtue of our unearned privileges) and with that power comes responsibility. If we examine power in the context of leadership, we will find a spectrum of ways it is used from benevolently to maliciously and every way in between. Might we learn from positive examples like Zelinskyy and allow our hearts to inform our power? How could that benefit everyone, including us??

A perfect storm? has formed as a result of the cumulative effects of #timesup, #metoo, COVID and the BLM movement,? putting the spotlight of attention? squarely on the behavior of the majority….men. Men want to be better, everyone around them wants them to be better, and we need our leaders to connect with us, to empower us, not to be subjected to their power.

How is power defined? Power is the ability to influence the behavior of others with or without resistance by using a variety of tactics to push or prompt action. People with power are able to influence others’ behavior to achieve a goal or objective.??

Some use their power in varying combinations of fear and terror? to influence others as we are currently witnessing with Vladimir Putin’s egregious actions.

Juxtaposed against the fear-mongering and belligerence exuded from Putin, we are also bearing witness to a leader who is using courage and compassion to lead his people. Indeed Zelinskyy’s heart-based leadership has captured the hearts of his people and those around the world. Zelinskyy is rewriting history by embodying the POWER OF THE HEART in his leadership.?

Men in power and position need to show up with heart and model a different relationship with their own sense of masculinity. The power of the heart as a playbook for those with power, has six cornerstones to guide leadership: .

Emotional Literacy

Emotional literacy requires that we have a conscious relationship with our emotions so we can experience them instead of ignoring them and allowing them to build unchecked. More importantly, we can respond instead of react. President Zelinskyy, perhaps thanks to his training as an actor, models for all to see his emotions, yet he doesn't react and cause harm to others. He is empathetic to the experiences of his people.

Conversely, Vladimir Putin shows complete apathy to his own emotions and those of others.?

Vulnerability

Vulnerability gets a bad rap and is unfortunately often seen as a sign of weakness as opposed to a sign of strength. True power comes from one’s willingness to be vulnerable, and this is especially true for leaders, as vulnerability fosters trust and respect from others.?

Brené Brown, celebrated author and researcher says that? vulnerability is our most accurate way to measure courage.We can measure how brave you are by how vulnerable you're willing to be.?

Authenticity

Instead of portraying the image of what you think others need to see, which is persona-driven, authenticity is all about character…as in yours. Put another way, be you because everyone else is taken! People see through the performative tactics of inauthentic leadership.?

Inclusivity

Those who lead from the heart possess the power to make everyone feel included.When people feel like they belong, they make more positive contributions; a culture of inclusion is imperative for good performance in business as in life.?

Love

There is true power in seeing, listening to, respecting, and valuing others for who they are and what they contribute. When a leader is able to do this, and create that sense of being seen, heard, valued, and respected, isn’t that love? To me it is and we all could use a little (or a lot).

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