Member-only story

Leading through turbulant times

Chakameh
3 min readJan 14, 2020

--

What we can learn from Justin Trudeau’s use of empathy during Canada’s mourning of the crash of UIA Flight 752

© Dave Chan/Getty

What can be more complex than death, death of people who have voted for you, death of numerous fellow countrymen by the hands of another country.

Justin Trudeau was confronted with this complexity last week. Having a country tune in to hear your reaction to the consequence of two other nation’s feud is no easy job. Choosing the right words, using the right body language, and making sure to not fuel the fire that had just been quieted a day earlier. His speech mattered, but what impressed me most about Justin Trudeau’s leadership was what happened next.

Mourning Canadian’s felt understood and grateful in the coming days. Municipal and provincial leaders showed up to support the country as they grieved the loss of 138 passengers headed to Canada on flight UIA752.

What could have resulted in individual hate turned into collective hurt, and gradually to gratitude.

Being a long-time advocate for empathy in leadership, I watched with admiration how our prime minister navigated a country with fresh wounds away from hatred fueled response toward love and togetherness.

--

--

Chakameh
Chakameh

Written by Chakameh

Digital Health Leader | Published Author | Health Innovation Strategist

No responses yet