Volodymyr Zelensky and HR

Beside having risen to being a modern day hero, the president of Ukraine shows that there’s much more in a human being than their background appears to be or than their initial impression might help foretell their true potential. 

Going from acting to national leadership isn’t new, Reagan did it in America before Zelensky, but fell way short from the quality or the approval ratings of the current Ukrainian head of state. 

From a December 2021 low point of 31%, his approval rating almost tripled to 90% after the invasion of his country and his impressive courage in facing his enemy. So my question is how do we measure or estimate a politician’s potential based on what we can observe prior to an election? 

In the case of Zelensky, one could speak of “revelation”. In the majority of cases, however, we are generally widely disappointed by politicians that seem only able to “sell themselves”, but freeze up as soon as they’re on the job, problem arise and can’t muster the courage and determination to solve them. 

Is the Ukrainian president the sole exception to that rule? I think so. Is there something our Human Resources departments could learn from this remarkable transformation? Probably! 

Regardless, I took the time to watch the three first episode of “Servant of the People” and could see the rehearsal value of that show to his role as president. I won’t watch the 48 remaining episode, but will be marked forever by Zelensky’s unbelievable journey from comedian to fearless and awe-inspiring leader…