Leadership Lessons From the Prime Minister of Canada | Justin Trudeau | TED

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discusses his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of connecting with people genuinely and the challenges of navigating divisive political landscapes. He reflects on his experiences, from overcoming preconceptions due to his father's legacy to dealing with criticism and polarization. Trudeau also touches on his commitment to service, the necessity of compromise in politics, and the balance he strives to maintain between his personal life and the demands of his role.

Takeaways

• 😌 Justin Trudeau emphasizes the importance of being genuine and having real conversations to put people at ease, rather than focusing on superficial interactions.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Trudeau's childhood experiences, growing up with his father as Prime Minister, influenced his understanding of service and the impact of small acts of representation.
• 🔮 He was surprised to find that the less visible aspects of the Prime Minister's role, such as being a voice for the community, were more impactful and aligned with his previous experience as a teacher.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Trudeau acknowledges the challenge of dealing with disapproval and dislikes by focusing on service and the meaningful difference he can make, rather than seeking popularity.
• 🧘‍♂️ The Prime Minister discusses the need to detach from external perceptions and to find constructive criticism or praise, regardless of the emotions they elicit.
• 👶 Trudeau had to navigate childhood experiences of being disliked due to his father's political position, learning early on to separate personal identity from external opinions.
• 🤔 He reflects on the empathy needed to understand those who express extreme hatred or polarization, and the importance of serving all Canadians, even those who dislike him.
• 🌟 Trudeau admits to moments of self-doubt and the impostor syndrome but found authenticity and hard work helped to overcome these feelings and earn his place in politics.
• 💪 He believes in the necessity of surrounding oneself with a strong team and empowering others, highlighting the importance of collaborative leadership.
• 🔄 Trudeau is committed to continuous self-reflection on his leadership, ensuring he remains fully invested and motivated to serve the people to the best of his abilities.
• 🌍 The Prime Minister discusses the balance of addressing global crises while also focusing on domestic issues such as poverty, climate change, and reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Q & A

How does Justin Trudeau approach meeting new people and putting them at ease?

Justin Trudeau focuses on getting through people's preconceived notions or nervousness to have real conversations quickly. He aims to make people comfortable in being themselves during their interactions with him.

What surprised Trudeau the most about the Prime Minister role that he didn't expect growing up?

Trudeau was surprised by the importance of the 'little things' in the Prime Minister role, such as being a community's representative and making a difference in people's lives, which he likened to his previous experience as a teacher.

How does Trudeau deal with the fact that millions of people may disapprove of his decisions or dislike him personally?

Trudeau acknowledges that being liked or disliked comes with the job and isn't the main focus. He emphasizes service and making a meaningful difference. He also detaches himself from people's perceptions, seeking constructive criticism even when it's not intended that way.

What was Trudeau's initial career aspiration and how did it evolve into politics?

Trudeau initially wanted to be a fireman, astronaut, or prime minister like his father. However, he later strayed from politics, realizing his differences from his father. It was through teaching and connecting with people that he found his path back to politics, different from his father's intellectual approach.

How does Trudeau handle criticism that feels particularly painful?

Trudeau tries to empathize with the critic, understanding what in their life might have led to such a reaction. He also reminds himself that as the Prime Minister of all Canadians, he needs to focus on making their lives better regardless of their opinion of him.

What does Trudeau think about the necessity of confidence to hold the Prime Minister role?

Trudeau believes that confidence comes from understanding the job and the ability to bring together a strong team. He emphasizes the importance of being able to mobilize and inspire people, rather than seeing oneself as the top of a hierarchy.

How does Trudeau manage the feeling of being an impostor in his role?

Trudeau was aware of the impostor syndrome throughout his life but didn't feel it when he was elected as an MP. He attributes this to working hard to overcome people's expectations and earning their trust and support.

What does Trudeau believe is the key to being a good leader?

Trudeau believes a good leader is one who ensures every team member performs at their best, especially in crucial moments. He emphasizes lifting up everyone around, rather than just being the one at the top giving orders.

How does Trudeau approach the idea of quitting his role as Prime Minister?

Trudeau admits to regularly checking in with himself about his commitment to the role and its responsibilities. He believes in being honest about one's ability to serve and lead effectively, and currently, he feels fully committed to his role.

What does Trudeau see as the biggest challenge in his role as Prime Minister?

Trudeau sees the ongoing crises and progressive work, such as lifting kids out of poverty, fighting climate change, and working with Indigenous people, as significant challenges. He emphasizes the importance of not being complacent and staying focused on these issues.

How does Trudeau ensure that he is making decisions that are in the best interest of all Canadians?

Trudeau focuses on the best available science and expert consensus to make decisions. He also considers the willingness of Canadians to support these decisions and looks for ways to nudge the country in the right direction, even if it's not the absolute optimal solution.