As the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has been at the forefront of shaping the EU’s agenda and guiding its institutions since her appointment in 2019. Her leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of assertiveness, empathy, and strategic thinking, which has earned her both praise and criticism from various quarters. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of von der Leyen’s leadership style and explore what leaders can learn from her approach.

Assertive Decision-Making

One of the most striking aspects of von der Leyen’s leadership is her ability to make tough decisions with conviction. She has demonstrated a willingness to take on contentious issues, such as migration policy and climate change, head-on. Her assertiveness in these areas has helped to drive forward progress on key EU initiatives.

For example, von der Leyen has been vocal about the need for more effective border control measures to address the ongoing migrant crisis. She has also pushed for increased investment in renewable energy sources to combat climate change. These bold moves have not always been popular with all member states, but they have helped to keep the EU at the forefront of global discussions on these issues.

Practical Example:

In 2020, von der Leyen announced plans to increase funding for border control measures by €1 billion. This decision was met with resistance from some member states, particularly Greece and Italy, who felt that it would lead to increased tensions with neighboring countries. However, von der Leyen remained resolute in her stance, arguing that the measures were necessary to ensure the security of EU borders.

Empathetic Communication

Von der Leyen is also known for her ability to communicate effectively with both colleagues and stakeholders. She has demonstrated a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints and to engage in constructive dialogue. This empathetic approach has helped to build trust and foster collaboration within the EU institutions.

For example, von der Leyen has been vocal about the need for increased cooperation between the Commission and national governments on issues like migration policy. She has also worked closely with European Parliament leaders to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed.

Practical Example:

In 2020, von der Leyen met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss the ongoing migrant crisis in the Aegean Sea. During the meeting, she listened attentively to his concerns about the impact of increased border control measures on Greece’s economy and sovereignty. She then worked closely with EU officials to develop a package of measures aimed at addressing these concerns while still ensuring the security of EU borders.

Strategic Thinking

Von der Leyen has also demonstrated a keen understanding of the complex interplay between various EU institutions and member states. Her strategic thinking has helped her navigate the often-treacherous waters of EU politics, where compromise and consensus are key to success.

For example, von der Leyen has worked closely with European Parliament leaders to develop a package of measures aimed at addressing the ongoing migrant crisis. She has also collaborated with national governments to develop targeted policies aimed at addressing specific issues, such as climate change.

Practical Example:

In 2020, von der Leyen announced plans to launch a new EU climate policy framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. This ambitious goal was met with resistance from some member states, particularly Germany and Poland, who felt that it would lead to significant economic costs. However, von der Leyen remained resolute in her stance, arguing that the measures were necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the EU economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of assertiveness, empathy, and strategic thinking. Her ability to make tough decisions with conviction has helped drive forward progress on key EU initiatives. Her empathetic approach has fostered collaboration within the EU institutions, while her strategic thinking has allowed her to navigate the complex interplay between various EU institutions and member states.

For leaders looking to learn from von der Leyen’s approach, there are several key takeaways. Firstly, it is essential to be willing to take on contentious issues head-on, even if they are unpopular with all stakeholders. Secondly, effective communication is crucial for building trust and fostering collaboration within the EU institutions. Finally, strategic thinking is necessary for navigating the complex interplay between various EU institutions and member states.

By following von der Leyen’s lead, leaders can help drive forward progress on key issues while also building trust and fostering collaboration within their own organizations.