The novel coronavirus is testing the leadership competencies of world leaders. This is because they are currently required to make important decisions, such as putting limits on going outside, placing restrictions on business activities and lifting these restraints. But let me pose a question – what are the attributes for a good leader? Let’s think about this by considering world leaders’ responses to the novel coronavirus.
Jacinda Ardern has served as the Prime Minister (PM) of New Zealand since 2017, when she assumed the position at the age of 37. She is known as the youngest female PM in New Zealand’s history and also as a mother who took 6 weeks of maternity leave after she was sworn in. In early April when the country started experiencing the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, she announced that she will be taking 20% pay cut in solidarity with those affected by the virus.
Leo Varadkah, who is a PM of Ireland, had previously worked as a medical doctor for 7 years. He entered politics in 2013 but reactivated his registration as a medical doctor in March this year. In his address on St Patrick’s Day (17 March), Mr Varadkah mentioned his partner, sisters and their husbands who are all working in the health services and expressed respect for them and other health care workers who are devoting themselves to saving lives despite apprehensions they are feeling.
Some leaders publicly demonstrated new ways of living. Mark Rutte, the current PM of the Netherlands, bumped his elbow instead of shaking hands with others during a press conference. There were also some leaders and famous figures who pressed their palms together and greeted in a ‘namaste’ posture, with the aim of reducing physical contact.
People say leaders must be able to call on their followers to unite in a crisis like the present pandemic. If you were to lead a country, an international organisation or a corporation, how would you encourage the citizens of your country or your colleagues to cooperate? The types of effective measures depend on culture. We have been observing stark differences among leaders in their responses to the novel coronavirus. This is a good moment to think about leadership as you may become a leader in the future.