Peru: country in crisis of leadership, what does it mean and how to overcome it?

For the past few months, we have been facing an acute crisis governance crisis. However, in recent weeks we have seen the emergence of a second crisiswhich is partly the cause of the trap in which we find ourselves in the solution of the first: the leadership crisis in the political leadership of our country. Given this, it is worth asking what is a leadership crisis? And perhaps most importantly, what could our leaders do to counter it and lead us to a safer space in which all Peruvians can envision a brighter future?

It is defined by chief as a person (although it could also be a group) who selects, equips, trains and influences his followers, so that, in a coordinated and concerted effort, they actively and enthusiastically devote their energy, intellectual, emotional, physical and even spiritual, to achieve a common mission and goals. Knowing this definition, it is easy to guess that it is very different to lead in a daily or routine context, than to do so in an era like the one we live in, characterized by risk, uncertainty and ambiguity. Situations such as the ones we are currently experiencing raise expectations about the performance of leaders and increase the pressure and demand for efficiency. Therefore, overcoming a crisis requires overcoming the limitations of leaders they have to deal with it.

Behind our leadership crisis lies what is theoretically called destructive leadership, which occurs when leaders violate the interests of organizations, leading through sabotage to the achievement of their goals and tasks, and undermining their resources. He chief destructive is distinguished even by the use of arrogance, injustice, threat or punishment in his dealings with his subordinates. Clearly a way of exercising leadership that undermines value and is ineffective.

But, if we agree on the diagnosis of the presence of destructive leadership in our political class, how can we overcome them? The answer is to replace them with effective leadership experienced in managing turbulent and unpredictable contexts. And given the fact that the passage from destructive leadership Effective leadership has been widely studied in the business world, we can share good practices that could nurture and inspire the actions of our political leaders.

First, it is necessary to make decisive and informed decisions. A competent leader will often draw on past experiences with disasters and crises to better prepare policies, plans, and the implementation of roadmaps and decision frameworks. Making an informed and determined decision requires the possession and ability to analyze essential data and a strong dose of experience, which can be yours or that of the professional team surrounding the chief.

Second, good communication is essential. Be attentive and analyze every detail of what will be said in public, ensuring that what is expressed is balanced, objective and verifiable, and that it avoids double interpretations. In other words, when communicating, it is necessary to maintain a sustained commitment to the evidence, because only then will there be a positive impact on public perception.

Third, coordination and collaboration in promoting diverse meaningful courses of action to achieve a common goal in response to a crisis. He Effective leadership This requires an open mind to think inclusively, aligning the views of experts with those of different interested parties, offering a systemic and empathetic response. You have to be ready to give in what is reasonable.

Finally, the successful confrontation of different crises requires the promotion of interests associated with a feeling of shared social identity. We must recognize its importance, build it, represent it and realize it. Remembering the mission and the objectives that unite and identify us contributes to the fact that in a crisis, the most important actors “row” in the same direction.

overcome a leadership crisis it takes a combination of strategy, time, and conscious dedication to reverse it. The starting point will always be the recognition of its existence and the collaboration and dialogue between the different political actors. This is the only way to find creative and sustainable solutions.