A LEADERSHIP specialist believes that UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has adjusted his leadership language since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.
Kul Mahay is a former police chief who has worked with universities, colleges and NHS Trusts to develop emotional intelligence in their leadership teams. He says that Mr Johnson appears more ‘human’ during his regular Coronavirus briefings, particularly since contracting Covid-10 himself earlier this year, and that there is a distinct difference in the way that Boris Johnson is communicating to the press and public.
Kul, who spent more than 30 years working with Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “Mr Johnson is communicating in a different manner to the way he communicated with the country prior to Coronavirus. Particularly since his illness, he appears to be much more empathic in his style and all together more ‘human’.
“His language and tonality appear to be much more connected through a level of empathy than before and this will help him to connect with greater impact upon the general public during these uncertain times.”
Leadership specialist Kul Mahay
Mr Johnson has come in for criticism for his apparent lack of clear direction and Kul has identified New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern and her Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau, as senior politicians whose leadership style should be admired.
He said: “One of the key issues that many have complained about is the apparent lack of clarity in the messaging from our Government. This can lead to frustration by those who are the intended recipients.
“Communities around the world are seeking more empathy and understanding from their leaders, politically and within organisations, as we have gone through some of the biggest changes to our home and work lives in modern times.
“People want to know that their leaders understand them and their challenges and genuinely care; adopting the right style of leadership is critical in achieving this.
“All governments would be well-served to ensure that all their senior figures have a greater grasp of the fundamentals of emotional intelligence and the power that it brings in connecting with others. Prime examples of highly emotionally-intelligent political leaders include Jacinda Ardern, prime minister of New Zealand and Canadian leader, Justin Trudeau.”
Kul has also identified the successful use of emotional intelligence by President-elect Joe Biden, who will take his seat in the White House in January after beating Donald Trump in the US Presidential elections.
He said: “In America, we have seen contrasting styles of leadership with some candidates being inflexible in their style, resulting in support moving to the opposition, who use language that is much more ‘human’ in its nature with the focus on being on building trust or connection.
“In my view, this has played a key role in the outcome of the presidential elections in the United States of America.
“Thankfully, the elections are now over – although there is still unrest in the country as Mr Trump contests the results through the courts.
“This, along with continued disconcerting news regarding coronavirus, means that our fears become elevated and, when this happens, we become focused on what we feel we can control to protect our immediate safety.”
ENDS
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