In moments of crisis, leadership isn’t just challenged, it’s defined. Recent global events, from the pandemic to natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts and technological revolutions, have spotlighted leaders who stood tall and revealed the traits that inspire trust, resilience, and progress.
Are we as leaders paying attention to these lessons, and applying them in our own spheres of influence?
Here’s a closer look at five timeless leadership lessons from those who rose to the occasion. These insights are not just for the history books, they’re tools to shape how you lead today and into the future.
1. Transparency: The Foundation of Trust
During the pandemic, leaders in healthcare and business faced an overwhelming challenge: navigating the unknown while keeping their teams and stakeholders informed. Those who communicated clearly and candidly, acknowledging both challenges and progress, gained trust and rallied their teams.
For example, leaders of major organisations like the World Health Organization leaned into transparent communication to educate and inform the global public amidst uncertainty.
🗝️ Lesson: Transparency isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength. In business, being upfront about challenges can rally your team rather than alienate them. When you share the “why” behind decisions, you foster understanding and collaboration. Remember, trust is built in moments of truth.
2. Decisiveness in the Face of Ambiguity
In 2010, Chile faced a mining disaster when 33 miners were trapped underground for 69 days. The government acted decisively, bringing together international engineers, NASA experts, and mining companies to execute a rescue mission under unprecedented conditions.
🗝️ Lesson: In times of uncertainty, hesitation can be fatal. Leaders who act decisively, without waiting for perfect conditions, can achieve extraordinary outcomes. Encourage your team to focus on solutions, not just challenges.
3. Empathy: The Heart of Leadership
Empathy shouldn’t be viewed as a “soft skill”, it’s a critical leadership capability. Jacinda Ardern demonstrated this beautifully as she led New Zealand through crises, from the Christchurch mosque attacks to the pandemic. Her approach wasn’t just about policies; it was about connecting with people on a human level.
🗝️ Lesson: Empathy builds loyalty, fosters trust, and creates emotional resilience within your team. In your leadership, ask yourself:
- How well do I understand my team’s challenges?
- Am I listening to hear, or just to respond? Great leaders lead with their people, not just for them.
4. Adaptability: Thriving Amid Change
When Netflix pivoted from DVD rentals to streaming in the early 2010s, it wasn’t just a business decision, it was a survival move. Reed Hastings, Netflix’s CEO, embraced the changing media landscape, taking risks that transformed the company into an industry giant.
🗝️ Lesson: Flexibility is a superpower. Leaders who adapt quickly to change, and encourage their teams to do the same, are the ones who thrive. Build a culture where innovation is celebrated, and fear of failure is diminished.
5. Collaboration: Breaking Down Silos for Success
The construction of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) by CERN involved scientists, engineers, and experts from over 100 countries, all working together to push the boundaries of physics. Their collaborative efforts culminated in groundbreaking discoveries about the universe.
🗝️ Lesson: Big challenges demand collective intelligence. Break down silos in your organisation, encourage diverse viewpoints, and invite external expertise when needed. The best leaders know they don’t have to have all the answers, they just need to bring the right people together.
6. Resilience: The Fuel for Leadership
Resilience is the unsung hero of leadership. It’s the ability to absorb shocks, adapt to the unexpected, and continue moving forward. After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Toyota faced massive disruptions to its supply chain. Instead of folding, the company leaned into its kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. By prioritising communication, innovation, and long-term solutions, Toyota not only recovered but became stronger.
🗝️ Lesson: Resilience is built, not born. To cultivate it:
- Focus on self-care to sustain your own energy.
- Encourage mental health resources for your team.
- Celebrate small wins to build momentum in tough times.
Why These Lessons Matter to Every Leader
Every leader, no matter the scale of their responsibilities, faces moments of crisis. These moments test your ability to inspire, innovate, and lead with purpose. The way you respond doesn’t just determine the immediate outcome, it shapes your legacy.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, making decisions with courage, and empowering those around you to rise together.
What Kind of Leader Will You Be?
- Are you leading with transparency and empathy?
- Are you fostering adaptability and resilience within your organisation?
- Are you building bridges and embracing collaboration to solve complex problems?
Leadership isn’t just about managing a team, it’s about inspiring them to believe in something bigger.