Being Arthur

The virus.

No one knows what is next.

Like all of you. The virus has had an impact on my life (we all know what I mean by – the virus).
We stocked up, mindful not to run out of toilet paper.
We self isolated.
We were supposed to get married in July but the virus influenced us and we had this wonderful, simple, inexpensive, very fun wedding in April.

During this time we were also watching how different countries managed the virus. It was interesting to look at the leadership of countries fighting the virus. How did a country’s leadership transform their country… in a very short period of time… including addressing a lot of complex issues.

Who did theses leaders listen to?
What did the leaders say?
How did they inspire the required transformation?

The contrast the leadership of managing the virus between China, the United States, and Australia were significant.

China
It was interesting watching China transform. I actually thought the way Chain’s President, Xi Jinping transformed the country was harsh. I never witnessed never witnessed cities being closed. Isolated. But then again, I have never seen the spread of such a deadly virus. I have never seen a deadly disease reach cities, counties, countries, the world ever and so quickly .

Although the information China released may not have been as transparent as I would have liked, what was clear is when they got serious… China got serious. China recognised they had a problem. China moved hard and fast to address the problem.

United States of America
In contrast to China, the transformation of United States appeared to be confused, unclear, irrational. President Trump was at odds with the scientific community. He refused to take the virus seriously. He used bullying tactics and disingenuous messaging. His leadership appears to have cause more death than needed.

Australia
In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared to learn lessons from the bush fire season. The bush fire crisis of 2019 became an internationally watched event. Support, empathy and well wishes came to Australia from around the globe. However, Scott Morrison’s leadership at the time was not up to the task. The public perception of the Prime Minister was scathing. His leadership heading to life support territory. He was being viewed as a failed leader. No matter how hard he tried to turn that perception around. It stuck within.

Cut to 2020 – To his credit when the threat of the virus emerged, the Prime Minister of Australia performed as excellent leaders do. He formed a coalition. He spoke the hard truth (to the best of his ability). He listened to science (even though at times the scientists couldn’t agree). Scott Morrison at least listened and tried to make the best decision based on the facts he had. It was a big moment when leaders around the world struggled. Scott Morrison did well. Australia did well.

So in summary …
China is China they operated as many expected: Questionable numbers virus cases, deaths. Strong arm tactics – authoritarian. However, they did get the virus under control…well at least the first wave. I have to give Xi Jinping and China credit for that.

Trump’s leadership of the United States through the virus has been a disaster. Sad to see. The President engaged petty arguments for poor political gain. Including defunding the World Health Organisation, blaming President Obama, Democratic anyone (Governors, Mayors, Citizens…). He failed to take any responsibility, failed to inspire the country. Yes Trump failed to lead America…and lead the world.

Australia transformed quickly. Relatively smoothly. It was inspiring to see that government can work. That leadership does matter. That good leadership is about people first and foremost. Australia’s transformation was not perfect. However, it was really good and Scott Morrison will go down in history with at least one chapter as providing an example for leading in a crisis. He learned from his bush fired mistakes and did a remarkable job leading Australia during the crisis.

So let it be written in the history books – well done Scott! Well done Prime Minister you have a grateful nation.