“Life will win over death. And light will win over darkness.” Volodymyr Zelenskyy
These words of Volodymyr Zelenskyy are a mere peek into the kind of leadership he has exhibited amidst the crisis his country has been facing. The unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine left the world in shock.
And although a significant time has elapsed since the shelling began, the superpower shows no signs of stopping.
Of course, no one can really predict the outcome of this war. But this crisis has introduced the world to a leader who will inspire generations, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Despite teams of mercenaries being sent to dispatch Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president has shown no signs of backing down. He has exhibited immense resilience and remained defiantly in the capital city. Similarly, he has risen to the challenge and forced the world to take notice of the injustice being inflicted on his people.
Indeed, his imploring speeches have moved one and all. His strength, courage, determination, and resolve have shown the world what leadership looks like in its true form.
And he is just getting started.
What makes Volodymyr Zelenskyy a great leader?
If the world hadn’t seen it, most would have disregarded Zelenskyy’s story as outrageous and fictitious.
After all, who can think that a popular TV sitcom star who played the role of the Ukrainian president on his show will actually take on the role in real life? This is truly a twist of fate no one saw coming.
Zelenskyy recognized the opportunity when he won a popular opinion poll. And without wasting time, he announced his decision to run. He had no political experience and no backing.
But surprisingly, the election was in his favor. He won with 73% of all votes. Everyone had a hard time believing it. They thought it was a joke. Interestingly, in his show, he played the role of a schoolteacher who suddenly became the Ukrainian president. Who could have thought that this was a hint to the future?
But the story is not yet over. As Volodymyr Zelenskyy became accustomed to his role, he faced a challenge no one had anticipated. His country was being invaded by a superpower.
Let’s remind you again that this is a TV actor who has had no previous political experience. But how does he deal with this unprecedented situation? He rose to the challenge and proved himself to be a true leader.
As Volodymyr Zelenskyy became accustomed to his role, he faced a challenge no one had anticipated. His country was being invaded by a superpower.
How Volodymyr Zelenskyy Faced The Challenge Head-On
Crisis has consistently marred Zelenskyy’s term in office. He came to power in 2019 and immediately had to face the Covid-19 pandemic.
The pandemic gave rise to economic recession worldwide, and Ukraine was no exception. And just when there were signs of recovery, the already strained relationship between Ukraine and Russia worsened beyond repair.
Once Putin allied his forces and started the invasion, Zelenskyy was placed in a tough spot. After all, he faced a superpower with much more resources than he had. However, he responded with a stoic strength, exactly the kind of leadership one would expect in these testing times.
Traits of a Great Leader
Zelenskyy showed courage and determination. He presented his case in front of the world nations, asking for help. And he moved them all.
He proved his leadership skills and established himself as a pillar of hope for his people. His resilience and courage have undoubtedly given the people of Ukraine the support they needed.
Let’s be honest. When there’s a crisis, no one wants to spend their time or energy trying to understand complicated narratives. Stressed out people can’t process complex statements. They need meaningful words for consolation.
And Volodymyr Zelenskyy understood that. He realized what his people were going through as they lost their homes and businesses.
They did not need a PR speech at this time but something more profound. Zelenskyy delivered just that. He used short sentences and vivid imagery with empathy to reach out to his people. And it worked.
“I am here. We are not putting down arms. That is it. That’s all I wanted to tell you. Glory to Ukraine.” Volodymyr Zelenskyy
This was his Twitter message to his people, which was viewed more than 19 million times. Clearly, his message got much-needed reach.
This is a valuable leadership lesson from Zelenskyy for generations. He taught leaders that effective messaging has to be clear and concise.
Leading from the Front
Interestingly, Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not really have to face it all. U.S. President Joe Biden gave him the opportunity to leave Ukraine soon after the invasion.
But being a true leader, Zelenskyy chose to stay.
He proved that he wasn’t one of those leaders who would flee from the scene of a disaster, leaving people to fend for themselves. Instead, he put himself in a position where he led from the forefront. Even the threat to his own life did not deter him.
He chose not to hide behind the walls. Likewise, he did not try backhanded techniques to show his power. Zelenskyy stood by his forces and people and proved to the world that he wasn’t one to back down.
Every speech he has given, every message he has conveyed since the invasion has carried one single point. He aims to focus on the welfare of his people.
Zelenskyy stood by his forces and people and proved to the world that he wasn’t one to back down.
Providing an Example for Humanity
Since the Russian invasion, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been in the limelight. He has assumed the role of a comforter, communicator, and so much more.
He understood that emotions run high in such situations. People need comfort. They want their emotions validated. And Zelenskyy has not let his people down. He has visited wounded citizens in his country. He has provided them with the emotional support they needed.
And it has definitely worked. There’s a reason that many Ukrainian women refused to leave and decided to take up arms. They took inspiration from their leader, who stayed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy: An Exemplary Leader
Zelenskyy has proven time and again that his leadership skills aren’t to be questioned. Similarly, his demeanor, speeches, and conduct have left the world in awe.
Additionally, he even knows how to dress the part!
While his wardrobe mostly comprised suits and ties prior to the invasion, there has been a noticeable shift now. Yes, he has used the power of fashion to put his message across too. World leaders — and your average business CEO — definitely have a lot to learn from this Ukrainian president.
