WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM JACINDA ARDERN’S PEOPLE-FIRST LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

Jacinda Ardern is New Zealand’s current Prime Minister. But, before you stop reading and shrug this off as just another politics discussion, stay with us. It’s Ardern’s approach to politics that interests us.

Her Government has focused heavily on social issues including the housing crisis, child poverty, inequality and, most notably, her leadership through the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque shootings. She swiftly introduced strict gun laws.

At just 37, Ardern is the world’s youngest, female head of Government. She’s the third female Prime Minister and the second elected leader in history to have a baby while in office. In fact, she’s described as the most powerful woman in the Southern Hemisphere(if not, the world!)

She’s a… Dove!

Let’s be honest, her empathetic leadership is worlds apart from Trump, the Eagle. He’s got Peacock qualities, too… all show, no depth.

Ardern is hands-down, a Dove. She’s motivated by a sense of belonging and the human spirit… not by being on a power trip and knocking down anything that gets in her way. She has a fair bit of Eagle in her, giving her a ‘backbone’ to stand firm in her beliefs.

In her recent address at Melbourne Town Hall, she said: “fear and blame are an easy political out. Instead of turning inwards, we can improve the institutions that have helped hold together this long period of global peace. We can offer meaningful support, and more than just financially, to those at the bottom.”

Her talk is empowering, refreshing and humanly, aspirational. She prompts us to think about movement, not in terms of GDP growth, but in the health of our children, access to important services, and the nature around us.

Ardern is showing the world what real leadership is all about.

Empowered leadership is free of divides, moral panic, fear-imposing body language, and narcissistic traits.

It takes down walls, not builds them.

Ardern leads with love, empathy and integrity. She didn’t react to the Christchurch shootings with hate, spite or aggression. But rather, showing compassion and love, by working on resolutions. She did not come from a place of us vs. them – positioning Muslims as separate.

“No,” she said. “They are us. New Zealand had been chosen because it was safe, because it was not a place for hatred or racism. Because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, and home for those who share our values. Refuge for those who need it.”

Where other leaders make threats, Ardern exudes sympathy and a quest for real, humane solutions to the problems we face.

A great example of the different personalities in leadership

This isn’t about gender and feminism. But rather, it serves a wonderful example of a style of leadership that’s empowering to all, solutions-focused, and unites us as a society.

It makes us believe in something again. And if there’s any place that needs this the most, it’s politics.

It challenges us to re-think how we can lead, whether it’s in an office or up there, in Government. And just as importantly, for the people on the other side, to be able to who is in power, on a deeper level… so we can all be part of the change.

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So, what kind of leader are you?