Kathy Solberg: Ukraine’s Zelensky models traits for our lives

Published 1:30 am Saturday, March 12, 2022

By Kathy Solberg / Herald Forum

How do you lead in a crisis?

Many of us are reflecting on this question as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sets a courageous example for the world. From his social media messages to his speeches to his straightforward action, people from around the world witness and admire his bravery and composure.

I am struck by the power of his presence, leading by example in the line of fire, literally, at a time when this is simply not done by world leaders. He fights alongside his troops and civilians. They battle with tenacity and ingenuity. With bombs made in kitchens.

Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo has said: “The number one ingredient of leadership, aside from character, is you show up in the most difficult times.”

Zelenskyy is certainly showing up, and inspiring the Ukrainian people to show up however possible, too.

What else is at work? How do leaders take charge deliberately and wisely in a crisis?

In our Leadership Snohomish County book club, we learned from reading historian Doris Kearns Goodwin that empathy, resilience, listening skills, humility and self-reflection are some of the most important qualities found in good leaders. These qualities must be cultivated and deeply practiced if they are to manifest under the immense pressure of a crisis.

Much of the practice that I work to incorporate into the programs at Leadership Snohomish County are put in place to lead in difficult times. The world these past two years has proved to be an excellent test of skills and a chance to practice leading in crisis. Here are some tools I work to practice and observations I have gleaned from examples I see in Ukrainian’s defense of itself.

Name the problem. In a crisis, we need to gather and process information quickly and communicate effectively. When the Russian invasion started, Zelenskyy delivered a plea for peace, warning the world that a “new Iron Curtain” was descending on Europe. He spoke clearly and candidly. Accountability and clarity are key to addressing leadership issues and moving forward to assure all have the same understanding and are moving to the same goal.

Ground in purpose. What are you so committed to that you would take considerable risks, including putting yourself in harm’s way? I feel certain that family is likely at the top of many lists. Your job would likely not be on the top of that list. Those in military service clearly demonstrated a commitment to country and would list that service as a commitment they make with understood risk. As I have been part of interviews for our upcoming Emerging Leaders awards, I note that the individuals under 40 that have made it into the top 12 are grounded in their purpose. They know their why, and it is foundational to how they show up each day. I have been in awe of the commitment and purpose demonstrated by the Ukrainian leader. I cannot recall a time when I have seen a leader so staunchly commit with deeply ingrained purpose to their cause or their country for the greater good. The fight for freedom is foundational in every breath Zelenskyy takes.

Extend grace. I have reflected through this last year that grace is the most essential tool in our toolkit.It’s a time to set those quick judgements that would normally stem from our own exhaustion. As Zelenskyy reportedly declined a “ride” and instead called for ammunition, he did so with such commitment and grace that many stood in awe. This practice is imperative in this time for each of us when we are surrounded by overwhelm and individuals that continue to give, work and serve to the point of exhaustion. Extending grace is fundamental.

Convene. In this crisis, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden join the U.S. and other countries to send weapons and support. Europe, Japan and the U.S. are imposing and strengthening sanctions. So many are convening with the joined focus to have impact. So many of us ask “What’s wrong?” or “How can we fix it?” I suggest the question is “What is needed now?” “What is possible here?” And then consider who has the compassion and expertise to support those answers. This is where community, convening for the greater good and turning to each other can make the difference. None of us have to do any of this alone. Locally or globally.

Audacity. This often has a negative connotation. A key peer support group I am part of sat with the definition of audacity as intrepid boldness. Every day I see the individuals of Ukraine willing to take bold risks. To walk through deep fear. To take the ultimate risk of their lives. To go deeper than courage alone. In our day-to-day lives, we all take stances. We all have personal beliefs, often developing over time, some becoming almost automatic and unquestioned. Some are rooted in strength, some have no backbone. It is important to notice our stance, to be aware as we take it, and to make room for our position to evolve as we learn more, experience more, and stand in our own reality, who we are in the moment. We need to model this vision of audacity.

As I always seek to find the leadership lessons, I am deeply aghast in this horrific time of the violence and violation happening right before my eyes. As a citizen, I want to make a difference. Many approved organizations from the International Medical Corps, UNICEF Ukraine, United Nations and Higher Commission for Refugees to Sunflower of Peace are hard at work. Any fiscal support to Ukraine helps.

Kathy Solberg is executive director of Leadership Snohomish County. To learn more, go to leadershipsc.org.