As leaders we can learn from Christchurch

Fifty Acres founder and managing director Jo Scard considers the role of leadership in bringing communities together in times of crisis and need.

None of us would have escaped the public discussion about tolerance and leadership in the days after the Christchurch massacre.

While I won’t analyse here why it happened, one of the things I think we can learn from the last few days is the incredible role that leadership plays in bringing communities together in times of crisis and need.

Most of us will not have to undertake the role that Jacinda Ardern has needed to since Friday, but what we can do is to stand back and admire her ability to lead and guide, and balance security and compassion.

Commentators have said that Ardern has proved that typically “feminine” behaviour is powerful – I’d argue that hugging someone whose husband has been killed in a terrorist attack is a human response, not a peculiarly feminine one.

What Ardern has done from the very first moment was to go to where she meant to be – inclusive, shining a light on diversity and moving swiftly to action. She led and didn’t watch.

What can we all think about here? In our own organisations we can decide to take action, we can arm ourselves with information and then use that information to influence outcomes. We can look at what’s coming ahead and agree with our teams and with our boards to capitalise on the opportunities that change might bring.

To help not for profits get organised for the leadership challenges ahead, Fifty Acres is offering an additional free Government Engagement Workshop on 28 March in Western Sydney.

In this free workshop, led by myself, you will learn the practical tips, and actions your organisation should consider in the lead up to the election.

Our workshop will cover the medium- to long-term plans your organisation should adopt to boost your government engagement in 2019 and beyond. There will be a free goody bag, tea, coffee and refreshments. We hope to see you there! Register now, for free, to book your seat.

Programs such as the Churchill Fellowships empower upcoming leaders in the not-for-profit sector by building both knowledge and communication capacities to solve Australia’s greatest social issues.

The fellowships generously support recipients to investigate a field – or social issue – of interest overseas, learning best practice, building networks and gaining the confidence to lead their project back at home.

Applications for the Fellowships are now open and close Tuesday 30 April 2019.