The memoirs of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern present a personal story of her unique leadership approach based on empathy and kindness, contrasting traditional egocentric and competitive power models. Ardern describes how her sensitivity and empathy, often criticized, became a strength in leadership, especially during crises like the Christchurch terrorist attack and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the memoirs lack deeper critique of her own policies and do not address those who felt neglected due to these policies. Her career symbolizes a different kind of power and leadership, as well as the limits of empathy in politics.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic and compassionate leadership style as a positive alternative to traditional political power. They highlight her handling of crises, such as the Christchurch attack and COVID-19, as examples of effective and humane governance. The narrative often praises her as a role model for female leaders and progressive politics, focusing on her personal qualities and global influence.
Center: Centrist perspectives acknowledge Ardern’s unique leadership style and her successes in crisis management, while also noting the challenges and political costs she faced. They provide a balanced view, recognizing both her strengths in empathy and the limitations of such an approach in politics. The memoirs are seen as inspirational but somewhat lacking in critical self-reflection on policy impacts.
Right: Right-leaning narratives tend to be more critical, questioning the effectiveness of Ardern’s empathetic leadership and pointing out the political consequences of her policies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They may emphasize the limits of empathy in governance and highlight opposition to her approach. Some right-leaning views might see her leadership as overly idealistic or insufficiently pragmatic.
