Lead Like Zelensky

I imagine you are as grieved as I am by what is happening in Ukraine. The Russian invasion of that heroic nation is the largest military mobilization in Europe since World War II. Though Russian forces only entered Ukrainian territory a few days ago, hundreds of lives have already been lost, largely as Russian missiles struck Kyiv, the nation’s capital.

I could write for pages about this moment in history, but since Leading Thoughts is about leadership, I want to focus on one man and his emergence at this critical time. His name is Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine.

We had reason to doubt him. He is only 44 and was a comedian before he became president of his nation. In fact, he was famous for playing the president of Ukraine in a television series called Servant of the People. A political party formed around Zelensky with the same name as the TV show and in 2019 he was elected president. Only three years ago and at the head of a party named for a television series! Yet he was supported by 73% of the Ukrainian electorate. Clearly, people wanted change.

Much will be written about this man in the years to come. I want to focus on some of his actions as the Russians invaded. Long-time readers of Leading Thoughts will recognize Zelensky’s actions as ones I recommend for all leaders.

First, he made himself the symbol of resistance. He seemed to understand that a good leader embodies what he seeks from his people. Zelensky took off his suit, put on military gear, and told the Ukrainians he would die with them. Spirits soared. Ukrainians living elsewhere in Europe began pouring back into their native land and prepared to fight. Zelensky embodied the spirit of Ukraine and his people rallied.

Second, he was courageous. As missiles fell on Kyiv, Zelensky took to the streets of that city, calling for resistance and putting himself repeatedly in harm’s way.  This was more than theater. He had determined to be at the forefront of his nation and die with his people if he must. His courage became contagious nationwide.

Third, he sent language into battle. During the Russian invasion, he repeatedly made statements he intended to be repeated, to become memes of inspiration and fire. When the US offered to evacuate him, he said, “I need ammunition, I don’t need a ride.” There are now T-shirts for sale worldwide emblazoned with these words and Zelensky’s image.

He mastered his medium. When he was on the streets of Kyiv during the Russian missile attacks, he kept his cell phone in his hand. He constantly videoed himself and events around him, posting them on media for the world to see. In other words, he took control of communication, refusing to let Russia block or western media distort his message. It worked.

Finally, he kept his head. He is a lawyer by training. While he inspired his nation and risked his life on the frontlines, he kept pressing his case—to the Russians, to the EU, to the Western Nations, and, of course, to his people. He called for a No-Fly Zone, pushed for negotiations, prodded the EU to act—which it has done in an historic move of support—and even stirred up the usually sluggish UN. He brought everything he is to the battle—lawyer, broadcaster, activist, patriot, politician, scriptwriter, and, yes, comedian.

We do not know how this historic moment will end. We can be sure the results will unfold for years. Yet whatever the outcome, a man named Volodymyr Zelensky will have proven to be the Winston Churchill of his nation and of the hour.

Let us go and lead like him. I know you can.