Spring and the Backdrop of War
Spring arrived this past weekend. At the same time the devastating invasion of Ukraine by Russia is raging as I write this post. Not meant to be a political discussion, rather I seize the opportunity to identify and share insights. The possibility of invasion has been in our news outlets for months. If and when were the questions. I worked with a virtual assistant from Ukraine last summer assisting me in creating powerpoint presentations. Thinking about this personal connection I have with her I wrote in late January to wish her New Year's Greetings and find out how she and her family are. At that time she wrote back saying “we hope our neighbor smart enough don't start a war. But, of course, we also scary knowing how crazy he is:(“ . I checked in again on Mar 4, 2022 and she said….
“My son and I are in Warsaw. We feel as good as we can now.” When this devastating invasion occurred I as many of you were surprised by the leadership shown by Ukrainian President Zelensky. News programming had portrayed him as the comedian he was, the undertones hinted at a lightweight, a man of little depth and substance. Were we fooled!
World leaders and their populus have been in awe of his courage and standing his ground since the invasion. He and his family have not left the country. He speaks to the Ukrainian public regularly, visits troops and spurs his countrymen on. A demonstration of values, conviction and leadership we have not seen since perhaps Churchill. Can you imagine what corporations would be like if C Suite occupants regularly dialogue with workers, spur them on in challenging times, and demonstrate values, conviction and leadership? What might the level of worker engagement be? The agility of the business in times of rapid change?
Ponder the Ukrainian people’s commitment. Women, children and elders in major cities told to evacuate. Men between the ages of 18-60 told to stay and fight the aggressor. All who stayed committed to work to fight off the aggressor. Savagery intensifies hoping to break their Spirit. Yet they fight for freedom, justice and their democratic society. The people of Poland have stepped up in extraordinary ways. They know what it means to be brutalized. They have welcomed Ukrainian women and children with open arms. Thousands of miles away in the comfort of my home I watch and notice the masterful logistics refugee operation that has developed. The fight for freedom has been ignited. Ukranians escaping and Pols waiting to receive them with open arms committed to freedom and living peacefully as neighbors. Populations totally engaged. Can you imagine your employees being totally engaged? Aligned? Willing to do what it takes so that the company can BE its best?
Compassion, kindness, sharing, commitment, strong value-based communication. Some of us think we are seeing the 21st Century version of David and Goliath playing before our very eyes. I hope these insights inspire you to ponder and reflect on the kind of accountable managerial leader you are. Non managers think about the kind of employed worker you are. What do you stand for in the workplace? How can you make your workplace more inviting? How can you tweak some of your own behaviors to make you a better worker having more energy for the things you are passionate about? I welcome your comments.