Do you think this Pandemic has shifted people’s imagination of what leadership could be? Will people seek out and support kind, ethical and diverse leaders?
GEMMA: I would love that to be the case! It seems we humans have a very binary, parental approach to leadership, especially when we’re scared – it’s either the assertive, uncompromising masculine defender or the accommodating, nurturing feminine protector. We need to start thinking in less black and white terms and explore the options in between and on top and underneath and unseen and upside down and over there and right in front of us.
SUSIE: I don't think it's shifted imagination. I think the spotlight on the Pandemic has provided existing leaders an unequalled platform that they may or may not have deserved. I think the panic and fear of the masses has enabled those in power to flex their didactic muscles, provide something known, stable and consistent. It's reduced political dialogue to almost zero.
MELISSA: Leadership for me is less about one person and more about people working together. I’d like to see political leadership become more distributed. One where the outdated political dichotomy shifts into something grounded in firm shared values. Watching political actors these days seems farcical and almost like I’m watching the last gasp of something dying.
Leadership for me is wider than iconoclising one particular human who may publicly exhibit traits we admire. Humans are well trained to abdicate power to others. How we work collaboratively and explore the notions of more distributed models of leadership interests me.
BECK: I think people have been jolted out of reality as they know it and need to think differently. I believe we will see more everyday leaders stepping forward who still feel the ground beneath their feet and are embedded within their communities. Power as we know will disperse and become less ego driven. This reminds me of a Jacinda Ardern quote that sums up leadership now, perfectly:
“I really rebel against this idea that politics has to be a place full of ego and where you're constantly focused on scoring hits against each one another. Yes, we need a robust democracy, but you can be strong, and you can be kind.”