Leadership and Empathy: Stories of Compassion from Jacinda Ardern to Malala Yousafzai

Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, garnered international attention for her adept handling of the Christchurch mosque shootings in March 2019. In the aftermath of this tragic event, Ardern exhibited empathy and compassion, stressing unity and inclusivity in the face of hatred and violence. Ardern’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic also received widespread acclaim. The country’s relatively successful management of the pandemic brought global recognition both to Ardern and to New Zealand. Throughout her tenure, Ardern’s policy priorities have often centered on critical issues such as child poverty, mental health, and climate change. Advocating for kindness and well-being as fundamental tenets of governance, Ardern’s leadership style is characterized by a steadfast commitment to social justice.

Compassionate leadership embraces empathy, understanding, and a sincere regard for the well-being of others, cultivating trust and collaboration within both organizations and communities.

I believe that power and empathy can coexist in compassionate leadership. In my opinion, effective leadership necessitates finding a balance between authority and understanding. The significance of wielding power responsibly, using it to create a positive impact on both individuals and the organization as a whole is extremely important. Instead of employing power for control or manipulation, it should be used to support and uplift others. Empathy, in my view, plays a crucial role in enhancing a leader’s ability to make informed and considerate decisions. Understanding the perspectives, challenges, and emotions of those under someone will allow them to tailor their approach, providing appropriate support, and foster a collaborative and harmonious team culture. I believe that the combination of power and empathy in compassionate leadership contributes to a more inclusive, resilient, and successful work environment.

Yes, the world will benefit from more female leaders. Beyond promoting diversity, women often bring valuable qualities to leadership, such as intrinsic maturity and the ability to stay calm in various situations. Their strong empathetic skills foster collaboration and inclusivity in the workplace, contributing to innovative problem-solving. Having women in leadership also serves as a crucial step in addressing gender inequality, inspiring future generations and breaking down stereotypes. Moreover, their unique perspectives on balancing priorities can lead to more supportive workplace policies.

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” — Malala Yousafzai

Malala is one of my favourite female leaders. Malala survived a Taliban assassination attempt in 2012, a brutal attack that sought to silence her advocacy for girls’ education in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. Her empathetic and selfless actions have profoundly redefined power and compassion, leaving a significant global impact. By fearlessly speaking out against injustice and oppression, Malala has demonstrated that true power lies not in domination but in compassion and empathy. Her advocacy has led to tangible changes, including the formation of the Malala Fund to empower girls through education and numerous awards recognizing her efforts, including the Nobel Peace Prize.