The 4 Main Lessons That Volodymyr Zelenskyy Teaches Us About the Definition of a True Leader.

There is no doubt now that Zelenskyy is a true leader.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

— John Quincy Adams

I often see people who wonder about the definition of a true leader. Certainly, we can all have different conceptions of the qualities that a true leader must demonstrate.

However, I remain convinced that a true leader must demonstrate at least a few key qualities. The reason I write that a leader must demonstrate these qualities is primarily because a true leader can only reveal himself in difficult times. You may think someone is a true leader, but until they have had the opportunity to test their temperament on the ground in the middle of the action, you cannot be sure.

For example, what is happening now in Ukraine with Russia invading the country in February 2022 is one of the most difficult situations for a leader. For a political leader, there is nothing worse than having to deal with a military attack from a hostile country.

Whereas his popularity was declining in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed himself to the world, but especially to the Ukrainian people, as a true leader since the beginning of this conflict. From his attitude at the heart of this major crisis, we can draw 4 major lessons on the definition of a true leader.

A true leader leads by example.

From the beginning of the Russian invasion of the Ukrainian territory, the Westerners proposed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy to leave his country to come to a safe place and lead the resistance from a third country.

It is at this moment that Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed courage and temerity that many doubted him before since he was a comedian and an actor before being elected president of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy replied that he could not lead the resistance of his people if he abandoned it. Despite the difficulty of the situation and the fact that Vladimir Putin made him a target to be removed quickly, Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to show integrity, leading his troops by example. This is how a true leader inspires and unites his followers.

A true leader communicates effectively.

Amid this war, Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly understood that he had to win the battle of communication against Vladimir Putin's Russia. This is how a true leader must behave. He must communicate effectively in all circumstances.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has done this on several occasions on social networks, but also by speaking before the parliaments of various NATO member countries to rally them to the cause of Ukraine, which has become the cause of all those who want to defend freedom and democracy in the world.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy even went so far as to call the Russian people to tell them that this war pushed by Vladimir Putin was unjust and that it was necessary to push the head of the Kremlin to put an end to it as soon as possible.

A true leader demonstrates social intelligence in his communication.

To be a true leader, you must be able to communicate intelligently with your mind, but also let your heart speak when it is needed. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown great social intelligence in his communication since the beginning of the conflict.

In his speech to the U.S. Congress, he immediately referred to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Twin Towers on 9/11. These two events resonate in the minds of Americans, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy allowed them to draw a direct parallel with what Ukrainians are experiencing today due to the megalomania of Vladimir Putin.

During his speech, Volodymyr Zelenskyy even had the finesse to mention Martin Luther King Jr's by telling: “I have a need”. This is the attitude of a true leader in the middle of the storm.

A true leader must be able to share a clear vision and message.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers a clear message during his interventions. He did not hesitate to criticize the ambiguous attitude of Germany when he spoke to the German government. He recalled that it was Russia that built the Berlin Wall, separating the freedom of the West from the oppression of the East after the Second World War.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy then took the opportunity to recall the message of President Ronald Reagan to President Gorbachev to tell him to “Tear down this wall”. He then took the opportunity to say that from now on Germany was living in freedom behind a wall, that of NATO, while Ukraine was being bombed without respite by Russia.

The Ukrainian president therefore finally reminded us that the Germans had promised never to let something similar to the Holocaust happen again in the future. He challenged them by asking them if these were not just empty words. A good way to remind Germany to choose a side in this conflict.

Final Thoughts

Before this war began, no one would have guessed that Volodymyr Zelenskyy could be a true leader. And then he revealed himself in difficult times because that is when true leaders reveal themselves. He showed that he could inspire his people with his authenticity and his willingness to be an example.

He has strengthened the Ukrainian resistance by communicating skillfully so that the West reinforces its help, which has so far allowed the Ukrainians to repel the assaults of the Russian army. From now on, nobody doubts him, because Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a true leader.

All those who follow him believe that he will lead them to success. This is also the strength of true leaders who can give you confidence that you did not even imagine at first.