New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern has been praised for her swift and comprehensive public health based approach to COVID-19. As of May 8, the New Zealand Ministry of Health reported 1,490 cases and 21 deaths.
The Conversation outlines three leadership skills Ardern uses to keep New Zealanders safe and informed: “direction-giving”, “meaning-making” and “empathy.” So what’s the connection with communications? Ardern uses those skills to deliver timely, clear, and action oriented messaging. This strategy reinforces the importance and effects of the country’s lockdown measures. It also keeps the prime minister accountable to the people of New Zealand.
No communications strategy is perfect, but Ardern’s approach is an example of crisis communications at its best.
DP Cogan Consulting 