In times of crisis, true leadership emerges as a guiding light, steering nations, organizations and communities through the darkest of times. From natural disasters to pandemics, history is replete with examples of leaders who rose to the occasion, demonstrating courage, empathy and resilience in the face of adversity.
That being said, there’s no handy manual out there that can guide a leader through a crisis. This is because while there can be certain protocols in place that prevent a crisis from happening, each new crisis is unique in its own way, with its own problems and quirks and will require a different approach from the one used before.
Very often, the unpredictable nature of crises means that leaders have no time to prepare. It is very much a do or be destroyed situation. Additionally, there’s no telling how long a crisis will take to blow over. The time period can range from a day or two to over a few years.
Here are some of the world’s best examples of leadership through crisis:
1) Winston Churchill – World War II (United Kingdom)
When Britain stood alone against the Nazi onslaught in 1940, Winston Churchill’s unwavering resolve and inspirational speeches rallied the nation to defiance. His leadership during the Battle of Britain, as well as throughout the war, epitomized courage in the face of overwhelming odds, inspiring his people to persevere until victory was achieved.
2) Nelson Mandela – Transition from Apartheid (South Africa)
Nelson Mandela’s leadership during South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy is legendary. Despite 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela emerged as a symbol of reconciliation and forgiveness, guiding the nation away from the brink of civil war. His commitment to unity and equality paved the way for a peaceful transition and laid the foundation for a new era of democracy in South Africa. The apartheid defined Nelson Mandela.
3) Jacinda Ardern – Christchurch Mosque Shootings (New Zealand)
In the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch in 2019, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s response garnered international acclaim. Her compassionate and decisive leadership, characterized by empathy and inclusivity, helped unite the country in grief and resolve. Ardern’s swift action to implement gun control measures and her unwavering support for the Muslim community demonstrated a clear commitment to standing against hate and extremism.
4) Angela Merkel – European Migrant Crisis (Germany)
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s leadership during the European migrant crisis of 2015 exemplified pragmatism and compassion. Despite facing political opposition, Merkel opened Germany’s borders to hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict and persecution. Her decision, rooted in humanitarian values and a sense of moral duty, not only provided a lifeline to those in need but also showcased Germany’s commitment to upholding human rights and international solidarity.
5) Jacqueline Novogratz – Ebola Outbreak (West Africa)
As the Ebola virus ravaged West Africa in 2014, Jacqueline Novogratz, founder of the Acumen Fund, demonstrated exemplary leadership in mobilizing resources and coordinating relief efforts. Through her organization’s innovative approach to social entrepreneurship, Novogratz helped support healthcare workers on the frontlines, strengthen local healthcare systems, and provide critical aid to affected communities. Her tireless dedication to combating the outbreak showcased the power of grassroots initiatives in responding to global health crises.
6) Shinzo Abe – Fukushima Nuclear Disaster (Japan)
Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011, triggering a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s leadership was put to the test. Despite facing criticism for the government’s response to the crisis, Abe’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and disaster recovery efforts helped rebuild trust and resilience in affected communities. His focus on long-term recovery and safety measures underscored the importance of proactive leadership in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
7) The 2011 BP Oil Spillage
When the BP oil spill occurred in Mexico in 2011, it was both a human tragedy and an environmental one. 11 workers had lost their lives and thousands of gallons of oil were continually being discharged into water. One could term this crisis as catastrophic. And yet, the response of the then CEO Tony Howard was found to be very lacking. In fact, it further hurt the organization’s credibility.
8) Enron Scandals
If you think back to Enron, everyone at the most senior levels of leadership were so embroiled in scandal and wrongdoing that despite the then CEO Kenneth Lay’s many assurances that Enron would pull through, it just wasn’t enough to save the company.
9) The 2007-2008 Ford Crisis
On the other hand, Ford’s dramatic turnaround following the financial crisis of 2007-2008 establishes how a good leader can make or break a company. Following the financial crisis, Ford was close to declaring bankruptcy. It was what the industry insiders expected the automotive giant would do. But what made the difference was a change in leadership. After he came on board in 2006, Alan Mulally led Ford through some of its most tumultuous years, eventually helping the automotive giant post profits, instead of staggering losses. By the time he retired in 2014, Ford had once again regained its former glory and standing within the industry.
10) Mutahi Kagwe and Covid-19 crisis
Kenya’s Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, implemented swift and proactive measures to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on the population. Kagwe’s communication strategy, characterized by regular updates, transparency, and clear guidelines, helped to raise awareness about the virus and educate the public on preventive measures such as hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Additionally, the government rolled out vaccination campaigns across the country, prioritizing vulnerable populations and ensuring equitable access to vaccines.
These examples illustrate that true leadership is not merely about holding positions of authority but about embodying values of integrity, empathy, and resilience. In times of crisis, it is those who rise above self-interest and act with courage and compassion who inspire hope and drive positive change.
As the world continues to grapple with new challenges, these lessons from history serve as a testament to the enduring power of leadership in shaping our collective future.
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BY Ashford Gikunda
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