If You Will Lead – Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead Buy the New Book

  • About Us
  • Looking For A Speaker
  • Services
    • Executive Coaching
    • Group Coaching
    • Consulting
  • Testimonials
  • Video
  • Contact Us
  • Store
  • Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If-‘
  • Leadership Resources
  • Blog

05 Oct

Attribute 2: Leo Varadkar – Leading Authentically in the Face of COVID

wdmoran Uncategorized 0 0
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar delivers St. Patrick’s Day Speech that mobilized the Irish people.

On March 17th, 2020 – St. Patrick’s Day – Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Prime Minister, addressed his country about the COVID-19 pandemic.  A record 1.6 million people tuned in to watch this speech.  Afterward, critics described the speech as somber, stark, chilling, and even ominous, but many hailed it as the exact message that the Irish people needed to hear to prepare themselves for the looming crisis.  

Varadkar stood before his country and described the challenge they were confronting, and the immediate steps that his government would be taking to combat the pandemic.  So what prompted the largest audience in Irish history to turn on their televisions to watch this speech?  More importantly, how was Leo Varadkar able to convince the Irish people to embrace the precautions that he outlined in his speech? There are plenty of reasons why this speech should have been ignored.  First, the speech was delivered early in the COVID-19 crisis.  The World Health Organization (WHO) had only declared a pandemic six days before the speech.  Second, Ireland, like many other countries, had been virtually untouched at that point, with only 54 cases and no deaths.  Finally, Varadkar was a lame duck.  His party had recently lost its majority in the Irish Parliament, and he was an interim Prime Minister while a new government was being formed.  In some ways, this made it easy for him to lead authentically and do what he thought was right.  However, Varadkar was also negotiating to be part of a coalition for the next government, so he had every reason to play it safe and defer to the next government to act.

Despite these factors, Varadkar delivered a speech that mobilized the Irish people.  I believe Varadkar’s effectiveness on March 17th was in large measure a function of his authenticity as a leader.  When I say he led authentically, I mean he remained himself in the face of this unprecedented crisis.  He knew who he was, and he spoke in a way that revealed the essence of his character, which enabled him to be the leader that the Irish people needed at that moment.  

Varadkar spoke as the Prime Minister, and he used the authority of his office to articulate his government’s plan.  While he was just a placeholder during this interim period, he never acted like one.  He saw it as his duty to serve the Irish people during the transition, just as he had served them during the previous three years.  He led as the Prime Minister, not the interim Prime Minister.  He spoke with the authority of the office, because that is what the Irish people needed from him.  It would have been understandable for Varadkar to have acted less boldly, pushing these difficult decisions (and the accountability for them) onto his successor.  Instead, he spoke authentically with the authority of his office, and by doing so, he strengthened the Irish people’s confidence in their government.

Varadkar also spoke as an expert.  While he never mentioned his medical degree, his expertise (and trust in the expertise of medical professional) was obvious throughout the speech.  This expertise gave him the credibility to defend the aggressive moves the Irish government was undertaking.  He used authentic expertise to buttress public trust in the medical experts and their sense of urgency.  He was able to transform that urgency into a bold plan that the Irish citizens embraced.

Finally, Varadkar spoke as a human being whose loved ones were in danger.  Several members of his immediate family are physicians, including his partner.  They were in the COVID-19 frontlines.  By integrating his personal feelings and concerns about the risk COVID-19 created, he was able to speak directly to the fears and uncertainty many of his fellow citizens were feeling.  

Both his trust in the experts and his personal stake in managing the spread of the virus were evident in Varadkar’s March 17th speech and in his subsequent communications with the Irish people.  Ireland has had mixed results in terms of managing COVID-19, and their early successes are an indication of Varadkar’s leadership.  Ireland’s initial coherent response saved lives.  Varadkar’s leadership made that happen.  Recent COVID failures and setbacks under the current Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, seem to be related to changes in direction.  

Varadkar had one additional opportunity to lead authentically.  As a physician, he possessed critical skills that were in limited supply, so in April he announced that he would offer his services to the country’s Health Service Executive (HSE) for one session a week.  While it was obvious that one shift each week wasn’t going to make a dent in the demand for medical care generated by COVID-19, his action set an example of the type of sacrifice and service this crisis demands.

President Theodore Roosevelt represented Authentic leadership on my original list, and I have made a case for Leo Varadkar as an exemplar of Authentic Leadership for the COVID-19 ‘If–’ Sixteen, joining Angela Merkel who represents leading with Character.  He teaches us the importance of remaining ourselves no matter what.

I am sure there are many more leaders who can teach us similar lessons.  Who else has been leading with authenticity?  What other leaders have remained true to themselves and become the leader the pandemic demanded?  Who else has risen to this challenge?


Twitter Facebook Digg StumbleUpon

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Testimonials

If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I've invited Doug to speak several times at our university and will continued to enjoy doing so. Both students and faculty members love Doug's humility, his comfortable and highly interactive manner, and willingness to share both painful and successful experiences. He comes across as wise yet without a trace of arrogance. I think students almost instantly view him as the type of person they'd like to have as a mentor. I’m confident that those who apply the wisdom he shares will be introduced to new and practical ways of improving their leadership.
-Bob Kolodinsky

Ph.D., Director, Gilliam Center for Free Enterprise and Ethical Leadership and Professor, Management Department, College of Business, James Madison University
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I've invited Doug to speak several times at our university and will continued to enjoy doing so. Both students and faculty members love Doug's humility, his comfortable and highly interactive manner, and willingness to share both painful and successful experiences. He comes across as wise yet without a trace of arrogance. I think students almost instantly view him as the type of person they'd like to have as a mentor. I’m confident that those who apply the wisdom he shares will be introduced to new and practical ways of improving their leadership.
-Bob Kolodinsky

Ph.D., Director, Gilliam Center for Free Enterprise and Ethical Leadership and Professor, Management Department, College of Business, James Madison University
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Bringing years of personal experience in leadership in Fortune 500 companies, Doug's presentation is based on his Book "If You Will Lead." Doug's program was much more than a “motivational” sales seminar. It was an inspirational and energizing session that provided us with the tools and insights to lead more powerfully and sell more effectively.
- Ivan Gomez

President, AAISP – DC
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran’s opening keynote address to our annual conference set the tone for the entire event. It was my hope that we would have a speaker who would inspire and encourage our attendees to think and act more boldly about the topic of sustainable mobility, and Doug delivered exactly what we needed. Most importantly, he provided us with concrete leadership advice that we can use to drive positive change. His provocative and challenging words were repeated by many of our other presenters who integrated his leadership messages into their speeches and discussions.
– Sharon Lewinson

P.Eng., President ACT Canada
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran looks at the practice of leadership from a unique perspective - through the lens of a literary classic. It’s a fascinating way for today’s managers to think about their own leadership brand.
- Steve Arneson, Ph.D.

President, Arneson Leadership Consulting

(Steve was named one of the country's Top 100 thought leaders on leadership in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and one of the Top 25 leadership coaches in America for 2008, 2009 and 2010 by Leadership Excellence magazine. )
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Although the problems we confront have changed, the fundamentals of leadership remain the same. Recognizing this enduring truth, Doug Moran has created a book that draws leadership lessons from some of history’s greatest figures. If You Will Lead surely will help readers become better leaders.
- George Allen

Former Governor and Senator, Commonwealth of Virginia
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Few people are born leaders. The rest of us need a guide to help us gain both the courage and competency to lead well. Doug Moran’s book provides a perfect blend of a thoughtful leadership framework and anecdotes from some of history’s greatest leaders to help make his points come to life. If You Will Lead is a great companion for any aspiring executive.
-John Scanlon

EVP and CFO, Intersections, Inc.
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I was particularly impressed with the section of the book about Jim Mulligan and the role of leading with stamina. It is an outstanding representation of one of the toughest men to endure the Hanoi Hilton. His leadership kept us young guys going. This book captures the importance of leadership stamina.
- Cdr. Paul Galanti

(USN ret.), former POW
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
In IF YOU WILL LEAD, Doug Moran provides keen insights on leadership while drawing lessons from some of history’s great leaders. Moran has taken a complex and challenging subject and created lessons and a framework that can help leaders realize and leverage their strengths.
- Sanjiv Yajnik

President, Financial Services, Capital One
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
As I was reading If You Will Lead, I was reminded of Santayana’s famous quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This book offers the opportunity to learn from some of history’s greatest leaders, so we can replicate their success. Moran's masterful framework translates these historical lessons into a concrete and practical guide for today's leaders.
- Larry Klane

CEO, Korea Exchange Bank
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran’s humane and insightful study reminds us of some of the timeless qualities great leaders need. And even if leaders sometimes have to “govern in prose”, drawing inspiration from poetry is a fine idea.
- Stefan Stern

formerly management columnist at the FT, now Visiting Professor at the Cass Business School, London, and director of strategy at Edelman in the UK
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran did a great job of tying essential leadership attributes to great, recognizable leaders. The attributes chosen are essential traits of good leadership and very well organized.
- /s/ Vice Admiral Ed Clexton, USN (Ret)

former Commanding Officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, CVN-69, and recipient of the John Paul Jones 'Inspirational Leadership Award' from the Navy League of the US.
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
This is an engaging primer for anyone committed to becoming a leader at work or in life. Using compelling examples, Doug Moran has provided a valuable series of leadership lessons that are relevant and useful to all of us. This book will make a difference to you and to all who look to you for leadership.
- R. Jack Weber

Professor Emeritus, Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug Moran’s book will motivate leaders at all level to strengthen key leadership traits of character, authenticity, integrity and self-efficacy. You will learn tangible leadership techniques and walk along side some of history’s best known figures from Lincoln to Mandela, making this a truly inspirational book.
- Wendy S. Swire

Co-author Anytime Coaching: Unleashing Employee Performance Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins Carey Graduate School of Business
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I highly add my name of recommendation to the book by Doug Moran entitled If You Will Lead. "One of the great needs in our country and in our world is the need for capable and inspiring leadership. There is, in my judgment, an absence of good leadership as we hear each day of the incessant wrangling among elected officials. We certainly need some new leaders to come forward. This book gives the reader a sense of the qualities of leadership which are so needed today. Leadership is an innate quality. It certainly can be acquired, as long as we have examples which this book gives to emulate." "In my judgment this book is most worthwhile and sorely needed in our world today.
- Walter F. Sullivan

Bishop Emeritus of Richmond
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
This is an engaging primer for anyone committed to becoming a leader at work or in life. Using compelling examples, Doug Moran has provided a valuable series of leadership lessons that are relevant and useful to all of us. This book will make a difference to you and to all who look to you for leadership.
- R. Jack Weber

Professor Emeritus, Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
I was introduced to “IF” at a young age by my mom, and it is a poem that I keep in my mind at all times as I try to do my job to the very best of my ability here at Butler. Many of the positive lessons in the poem have been very applicable for me. It’s a terrific poem to study for those that aspire to be in a position of leadership.
-Brad Steven

Head Coach, Butler University Men’s Basketball Team
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
“If You will Lead” brings real insight into the qualities needed for successful leadership. This book is exceptionally well written and provides a true guideline into all aspects that challenge true leadership. Inspiring balanced and well thought out it is a major contribution for those who would lead in our fast changing society.
- Jim Mulligan
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
At a time when leadership in the world is at such a low ebb – “If You Will Lead” will make a tremendous contribution to the upcoming generation!
- Louise Mulligan
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
After 26 years on Wall Street, the last 20 of them leading people, I am more aware than ever of the need to level-set your actions and philosophies and always be adjusting to the fast-paced world we live in where change is the only constant. Doug Moran has proven himself to be a forward-thinking leader and insightful assessor of practical practices in an increasingly complex and competitive business environment, having demonstrated a track record of creative and strategic thinking along with successful tactical execution in both the public and private sectors across multiple leadership roles. As one fights off the temptation to become jaded and dismissive of those offering the latest recipe for leadership success, Doug has proven to be one of the few people whose opinions I seek out proactively, knowing that I can count on candid feedback, spirited debate and a collaborative partner when dealing with issues important to me both personally and professionally. If You Will Lead is an important addition to any leader’s short list of practical business reading and will make an immediate positive impact on how one ties effective leadership principles to the future success of their organization.
- Chris Dupuy

Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
If You Will Lead - Enduring Wisdom for Those Who Choose to Lead
Doug's book on leadership is a standout. Based on Kipling's poem, "If," the book is thoughtful and comprehensive, pragmatic and inspiring, and grounded in self awareness, which is the fundamental requirement for leadership excellence. This book, with its well-drawn examples of leadership attributes, is in itself a courageous act of leadership. Serious leaders interested in transformation for themselves or their organizations ought to savor it, journal with it, and refer to it often as a way to calibrate, contribute, and create results that matter.
- Christine Wahl, MCC

Author of Be Your Own Coach, and On Becoming a Leadership Coach, and creator of the Georgetown University Leadership Coaching Program



Copyright © 2012 If You Will Lead, LLC All rights reserved.
Design: Dean Fields