Leadership Lessons from Rishi Sunak
According to Michael Jordan, it is vital to earn one’s leadership every day. This statement has proven to be true as it concerns the political figure and leader, Rishi Sunak. The Southampton native recently succeeded Liz Truss and assumed office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on the 24th of October, 2022. This was a monumental feat as his journey to the prime minister’s seat remains one of hope, dedication, and astute leadership.
The current conservative party leader has a history of being hard-working and focused. Little wonder he became the first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Indian Descent. From earning an MBA at Stanford University to working at Goldman Sachs and being appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak proved himself worthy of his new leadership position.
To be a good leader, you should have qualities such as experience, decisiveness, shrewdness, and perseverance. Does Rishi Sunak have these qualities? Read on to find out.
Here are five leadership qualities you can learn from Rishi’s political life:
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
The 42-year-old Conservative Party leader set precedence by garnering great work experience which made him a solid fit for the job of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He worked as an Analyst for the Investment Bank, Goldman Sachs before becoming a partner for a Hedge Fund Management firm: the Children’s Investment Fund Management.
Sunak led the Black and Minority Ethnic Research Unit and was a member of the environment, food, and rural affairs select committee. He continued to excel and gain rank with rich experience that remains a primary ingredient of his success. That is probably why he was found worthy of leading the United Kingdom as Prime Minister.
AUTHENTICITY WORKS
A true mark of leadership is one’s ability to stay true to their core values, even when it is difficult. Despite the challenges associated with his political career, Rishi has remained true to his core values. Upon becoming Prime Minister, Rishi showed his human side by praying in front of the press. This he probably did out of personal habits and faith. He also showcases his family every chance he gets.
In addition, when the UK experienced economic turbulence, Rishi supported certain policies that put him at odds with many people. However, it is evident that these decisions will pay off in the long run.
VALUE IS KEY
When the world faced an unanticipated pandemic in 2020, Sunak went above and beyond to provide quick solutions for employees.
Sunak expanded his state and was able to manage the economy during the pandemic and the Ukraine crisis. He announced the furlough scheme where he unveiled the Eat out to Help out, a program to support and create jobs in the hospitality industry.
As a result, food and soft drinks were subsidized at outlets that participated in the scheme; this helped keep unemployment levels low. Being ready to make effective decisions in a short time is a value every leader must have.
UNDERSTAND THE TIMES
It is important to know when NOT to be or remain a leader regardless of one’s ambition. The ability to step down when there is a goal misalignment on either personal or professional levels makes one stand out as a leader. Sunak obviously modelled this.
On July 5th, 2022, three months before he became Prime minister of the United Kingdom, Sunak resigned as Chancellor. He left because he felt his approach to the economy was ‘’fundamentally different’’ from that of Boris Johnson, his former political colleague. It was important for him to step down when it seemed like their values no longer aligned despite their history together. Many leaders need to learn from this example.
SHOW EMPATHY ALWAYS
A true leader knows the importance of empathy. Empathetic leaders always view the world from other people’s perspectives and make decisions that put the unique needs into consideration. Sunak displays this quality.
In August 2022, a video of Sunak speaking to an audience in Kent went public. In that video, he said he changed funding formulas that ‘’shoved’’ money into “deprived urban areas”. He also emphasized the desire to “level up everywhere” including “vast urban cities’’. This shows a noble side that is commendable and worthy of emulation.
It is safe to say that Sunak’s leadership qualities will help the United Kingdom rise above the turmoil it has experienced in recent times.
Now that you know these leadership mantras, go ahead and be the leader you were born to be.
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