COVID 19: A CASE STUDY FOR GOOD AND BAD LEADERSHIP
I watch in disbelief as governments around the world work in silos trying to cope with these changes, often taking action too late, making hasty last-minute decisions that affect so many of us. Hasn’t this become a global issue? Why are we approaching one of the worst times in history in such a disconnected, mistrustful way? Everybody is vulnerable, the virus knows no borders.
World leaders have responded to the crisis in very different ways. The gap between countries worldwide while attempting to solve their own problems is ever increasing. Calls for common solutions to encourage global cooperation is noticibly absent.
Are we handling the COVID 19 outbreak poorly? With our current situation worsening by the hour, you’d think that world leaders would be actively engaging into finding ways to cater for the medical supplies needed, supporting one another and eliminating traditional ways of competition and hostility on a global scale.
Instead, I watched in wonder as the EU refused to provide Italy with medical supplies at a time when they needed it most, or how the US attempted to put the health of businesses ahead of people’s lives. Where is our sense of solidarity, cooperation and alliance? What can be done to make COVID 19 a global issue, not just a local issue?
At a time when everyone is affected by the same issue, have we not learnt anything from previous crises?
Now is the time for our global leaders to uphold a vital aspect of their role: making a positive difference in people’s lives.
I’ve observed how governments around the world work in isolation to tackle this crisis by either adopting the most radical course of action to minimize the impact of COVID 19, whilst other countries encourage their people to continue with life as normal, and suffer the consequences that many countries in Europe and the US are facing.
I’ve also watched how leaders all over struggle to communicate with their people in a clear, transparent and specific way. At times like these, ambiguity and a lack of coherence only promotes more confusion and panic.
And then I’ve witnessed how some unexpected countries are leading this crisis and navigating through the impact of COVID 19 fairly successfuly, such as South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Turkey.
People are afraid, stressed and confused. In such moments, people look to their leaders for guidance. When people aren’t sure how they should behave, they look to leaders as role models.
I wish I had a handful of suggestions of global leaders I could share with you to bring you much needed support and guidance. I want to remain hopeful as we are still early enough in the story of COVID-19 that leaders all over can shape the role they will play. Yet rising to the part of hero requires intentional choices to put some measure of self-interest aside in order to contribute to a greater good.
In my own personal opinion, when it comes to leadership ability during COVID 19, Jacinta Ardern – PM of NZ – is winning on the world stage. Winning the hearts and minds of people all over the world, she is the clear winner. She’s remained calm, caring, compassionate, open and transparent in all of her continuous actions. If you can, follow her on social media. From having age-appropriate COVID 19 talks to kids, communicating frequently ongoing implementations, answering people’s questions before making dinner for her family, she is one of the most real and authentic leaders out there.
Let’s hope our global leaders will soon find a way to align to a common vision to tackle COVID 19 with combined resources, courage and resilience.
Sending virtual hugs to you all. Let’s hold on and give it our very best. Stay safe!
Isabel
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