LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete.We've probably all become familiar with the stance that Ukrainian President Zelensky has taken in the Ukraine-Russian conflict. Fortunately, we have been spared of physical warfare thus far, but we are engaged in warfare of a different kind and on different fronts so the lessons outlined below are relevant. President Zelensky's courage and leadership have elevated him to global prominence but there are many unknown others in Ukraine who have also displayed courage and leadership in the face of conflict.
There are countless others around the globe who display courage and leadership . One such individual I've just read about is Zhou Jinxia a Chinese sister who has been arrested numerous times for sharing the Gospel with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan. President Zelensky has taken a stance for an earthly kingdom, Ukraine, while Zhou Jinxia has taken a stance for God's kingdom before the leader of China, President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan.1 Cor 16:13 Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!
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10 LEADERSHIP LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM PRESIDENT ZELENSKY
Joseph Mattera
The historic global rise of Ukrainian President Zelensky is replete with applicable leadership lessons for all. His story is so compelling thus far that at this point, in my opinion, he is the leading candidate for TIME magazine’s “Person of the Year.” The following are ten leadership lessons based upon observing his life.
1. It is never too late to pivot toward your greater purpose.
Zelensky, born January 25, 1978, is a former Ukrainian actor and comedian who is the sixth and current president of Ukraine. At about the age of 41, he pivoted, shifting his career and defeated an incumbent, Petro Poroshenko, becoming the president of Ukraine in 2019. Hence, he completely redirected his life at mid-age, showing that it is never too late to redefine yourself and fulfill your highest purpose.
2. You never know your leadership capacity until a crisis hits.
As Winston Churchill manifested his greatness during WWII and was rejected during peacetime, Zelensky’s courage and leadership abilities have manifested during the greatest crisis in Europe since WWII. History has shown that a huge crisis usually reveals the destiny and capability of its leaders.
3. Life is not worth living if it’s not worth dying for something.
A U.S official confirmed that Ukraine President Zelensky rejected an offer from the American government to evacuate Kyiv. A senior American intelligence official with direct knowledge of the conversation quoted the president who said, “the fight is here” and that he needed anti-tank ammunition, “not a ride.” He refused to escape despite the fact there have been numerous assassination attempts upon his life, in addition to the threat of war, which also directly impacts his family. Thus, Zelensky has demonstrated that he will die for his nation’s freedom.
4. Despite all odds, take your stand for truth.
When a great leader strongly believes in something, his commitment to the cause overcomes any inherent fear that can cause him to overthink or calculate based on the percentages for success and failure. He and Ukraine are like David fighting the Goliath-like Russian army to many. Nobody gave the Ukrainian army much of a chance, yet they are still resisting the Russian military both on the ground and in the air at the time of this writing!
5. One person’s courage can inspire billions of people.
Zelensky and his beloved Ukraine have already inspired billions of people worldwide, whether they ultimately win or lose the war! Consequently, Vladimir Putin and Russia have already become worldwide pariahs attacking a sovereign nation.
6. Never negotiate a compromise with your enemy.
When Russian President Putin offered to negotiate with Zelensky, the Ukrainian president refused to negotiate any deals without a ceasefire and the immediate pullout of all Russian troops. He knew that anything less than that was not worth negotiating since it would have compromised their national sovereignty.
7. You must stand for truth even if all your allies abandon you.
Zelensky has taken a bold stand against Russia despite feeling abandoned by the United States and other western nations who pledged their military support. Some of their aid came much too late!
8. Never take the easy way out if it compromises you.
Zelensky could have compromised before the Russian attack by pledging that Ukraine would never join NATO. He could have also escaped with his family before the war broke out. However, he probably would not have been able to live with himself if he did not remain faithful to his values.
9. Peace and safety should not be the ultimate priority.
Unfortunately, history has illustrated that many people would surrender their freedom for peace and safety. Conversely, the American revolutionary war was won because they had people like Patrick Henry, who famously said in a speech, “Give me liberty or give me death!” Similarly, during one zoom meeting, President Zelensky told world leaders that that might be the last time they see him alive. If his highest priority were merely peace and safety, he would have immediately surrendered his nation to Russia when the war commenced. Thankfully, he exhibits the attitude of one who values freedom over mere peace and safety!
10. When you take a stand, others will come out of hiding to support you.
A few days ago, after an inspiring speech from President Zelensky, approximately 16,000 fighters from foreign nations volunteered to fight for Ukraine. This new development enabled the Ukrainian army to increase its fighting and weapons capacity with people they never knew before. This happened because people often will follow a compelling vision from inspired visionary leaders who will stand despite the odds stacked against them.