Coronavirus once again shows why the world needs more powerful women decision makers View

What do Germany, Taiwan and New Zealand have in common? Strong leaders, widely applauded for doing exceptional work on how they have responded to the current coronavirus crisis.

Strong leaders who have literally taken the temperature of their nations and shown empathy and determination. Strong leaders who have prioritized quick action and common sense at the expense of political scoring and personal growth. Strong leaders.

Then, What characterized your approach to the global pandemic?Clarity firstAs evidenced by the rapid adoption by German Chancellor Angela Merkel of comprehensive tests and the availability of many intensive care beds, which has contributed to the low death rates in Germany. Holder of a doctorate in quantum chemistry, he was in favor of a winning formula of confidence in science, while remaining clear on the expectations of his government towards the German people. According to commentator Ricardo Roa, "he communicates with scientific rigor. She communicates calmly. It dismantles hysteria. "Coincidentally, it is also celebrating its highest approval rating since 2017.

Then there is decision. One of the quickest responses to the pandemic was the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, in January. It introduced 124 measures to block the spread of COVID-19 without resorting to total blocking.

Third, compassion Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg appeared on television to speak to children in her country. She answered their questions, listened to their fears and told them that it was okay to be afraid. Mette Frederiksen, his Danish counterpart, spoke to the children at a press conference in late March and also filmed himself participating in the weekly song on Facebook Live.

Fourth, strong communication. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern learned what was going on in Europe. His goal at the start of the pandemic was based on clarity, empathy and scientific evidence, and he was awarded for his excellence in the way he communicated and in the language he used. After announcing the measures taken by his country, the Prime Minister chose social media to "consult everyone" on Facebook Live while they were about to dodge. Interestingly, she refused to use the word blocking, referring to self-isolation as "in the bubble."

Last but not the least in terms of character traits is being able to show empathy and solidarity. Unlike other business leaders who tracked dividends and payments, Jacinda Ardern announced that she, her ministers and general managers of public services would benefit from a pay cut. by 20% over the next six months, to recognize the impact on other New Zealanders.

Strong leaders have proven themselves outside the context of the pandemic. NAIL recent article by Forbes recalls what happened during the 2008 financial crisis, when reports suggested that banks run by a higher proportion of women (as well as countries that enjoyed a higher representation of women in leadership positions, especially in the financial sector) suffered less for the global economy. crisis. The article reveals how changes in governance in Europe after 2008 reduced the representation of women in large banks from 15% to 33%.

So what is the right way to manage a crisis and guarantee a good result? In today's virus-affected world, it seems that empathetic, selfless, and risk-averse behavior is paying off.

Managing a global pandemic requires a certain set of skills, a balance between decisions about the right action to take (and when) while supporting and reassuring the general public. Whatever your gender, it means leading with courage and conviction, and not focusing on political or personal gain. It is a desire to ignore the ego and to align yourself with the general public, avoiding political prowess and popularity in favor of supporting your community, your country and the world in general . He shows solidarity and, at the same time, has enough confidence to lead the way and make and implement difficult decisions.

According to a fascinating article of women winning breadA study at a Canadian university found that female directors are more likely to seek out and ask questions and challenge the status quo, rather than nodding at decisions. This reflects the same careful and thoughtful approach that Angela Merkel favors.

Women not only bring a new perspective, new ideas and energy to the conference room, but they also like to work collaboratively and intuitively, frequently calling for cooperation and seeking research. ;a consensus.

It is not just about how women approach problems; These are also the results they provide. Research reported by 2020wob found that public companies with women on their boards of directors outperform non-companies in terms of "profitability, productivity and workforce engagement". According to Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), at the end of 2018, companies with strong female leadership generated a return on equity of 10.1% per year compared to 7.4% for those which did not, which shows the obvious advantages of diversity in the board room.

This is where vast experience and courageous leadership skills count. It takes a certain type of individual to move forward.

When we emerge from the coronavirus crisis, you will enter a changed world. Now, more than ever, there is a place for women who have the skills and the commitment to face adversity and make a difference.