Thursday, March 3, 2022

“The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.”
– Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy –

We’ve all heard Zelensky’s quote and there’s a chance you even chuckled at his temerity. Pause for a moment, though, to consider how rare it is for an elected politician to be called upon to become a war-time leader. Then consider how it’s even rarer for an elected war-time leader to deliberately lead from the actual front lines of a military conflict.

In the non-military leadership world we speak a great deal about “walking the walk,” “leading from the front” and being “authentic.” Yet the stakes for our decisions are vastly less terminal than the ones Zelensky faces. So bear witness right now to what authentic leadership looks like and don’t turn away. Then ask yourself whether you’re stepping up to be the leader that your organization needs. Because if an actor/comedian turned politician can summon the courage to lead from the front in a war zone, you can absolutely shift your leadership into a higher gear, too.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Be strong. Lead well.

Chad