With COP 26 taking place in Glasgow, there has been a huge amount of focus on the world leaders who have gathered in Scotland to discuss action around climate change - one of the biggest problems we face.
Whatever decisions, ideas, pledges, policies or pure hot air come out of this high-profile event, there is unquestionably a huge spotlight on those leaders. How they prepare, navigate and more importantly lead and inspire people, nations and businesses through this immense change will be a true test of anyone’s leadership skills.
Image: Markus Spiske, unsplash
On day one of COP 26, climate activist Greta Thunberg, said of the leaders inside the event campus: "Change is not going to come from inside there. That is not leadership - this is leadership." – as she addressed a ‘Fridays for the Future’ meeting of young activists.
So, what are the leadership traits that are seemingly present in these activists that are going to create change but appear to be missing from our world leaders? What characteristics could make this critical change really happen –a change that will affect every one of us in how we live, work, eat, travel, heat our homes and even survive?
Here are just a few of the traits we’ve seen in Thunberg and other activists, that often help them succeed in achieving their aims.
Fearlessness
Thunberg is absolutely fearless in her conviction that we have to create change in the way we live – and now. She has exposed herself to unprecedented levels of scrutiny, ridicule and aggression from a host of people including world leaders. But she continues, fearlessly.
Courage
She chooses to face uncertainty, difficulty and sometimes danger without fear. For example, she initially protested alone for ‘Fridays for Future’, challenging the status quo and bringing attention, focus and followers to her cause.
Effective communication Greta’s native language is Swedish, not English. But she is able to communicate her ideas and thoughts clearly, confidently and with conviction. Her body language supports her words and despite being passionate about her beliefs, she is always able to clearly articulate her views.
Purpose
She has an absolute, focused purpose which drives her actions and beliefs.
Authenticity
She practices what she preaches, unlike the countless leaders who turned up in private jets to a climate conference. She is honest and full of credibility and lives according to her values. Hypocrisy is not a good look for leaders.
Inspiration
Greta is very clear on her mission and lives by her values. She is articulate in sharing her passion, ideas and emotion – and so, easily engages people who then want to follow her.
These types of leaders – like Greta - will increasingly out-pace the ‘traditional’ command and control leadership we’re used to. Those leaders who have been elevated through a hierarchy either through election, nomination, promotion or a good old-fashioned network, will simply not be able to deliver the different thinking and change we need.
Whatever your views of Greta Thunberg, it’s clear that climate change, responses to a global pandemic and the introduction of hybrid working are just three examples of unprecedented, emergent change challenges that demand very different thinking, solutions and leadership.
If leaders could consider adopting just a few of Greta’s traits – greater honesty, transparency, conviction and authenticity with more focus on people and the planet – they’ll be more likely to motivate and engage both their employees and followers.
Inspiring people to think differently might just help them consider and embrace solutions that could bring real change.
And that could help every one of us.
If you’d like to chat through ideas about leading in emergent change, get in touch.