Chancellor, Germany
About The Leader
About The Leader
Angela Merkel has been described as the de facto leader of the European Union and the most powerful woman in the world.
Angela Merkel (born July 1954) is the first woman and East German to hold her nation’s highest elective office, serving as Chancellor of Germany since 2005.
She spent her first 35 years working in Soviet-controlled East Germany as a quantum chemist until the fall of the Berlin Wall.
She later became Minister of Women and Youth, of Environment, and General Secretary and Chair of the CDU political party.
Her Purpose
Merkel abandoned her scientific work to embrace politics, moving up the ranks of a newly unified German government.
Angela Merkel has transformed German politics since being voted into office in 2005.
"You could certainly say that I’ve never underestimated myself. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious."
This scientist-turned-politician created the space for a cooperative, reason-based, network-oriented style of leadership in Europe.
“I want us to be a secure, prosperous, tolerant country–a magnet for international talent and a home to the pioneers and innovators who will shape the world ahead."
Case for Change
Case for Change
“Europe had only 7% of the global population and produced 25% of the global GDP, but it also accounted for almost 50% of the globe's expenditures on social programs.”
Growth Gap
Growth Gap
“It's vital that we readjust the balance between investment in the future and social welfare handouts.”
Investment Portfolio
Investment Portfolio
“That cannot just be done by simply increasing the revenue side. It has to happen by making the structures of social security more efficient.”
Her Leadership Qualities
Her Leadership Qualities
Despite being known as a proponent of fiscal austerity, Merkel has has acted decisively for social good and wellbeing for all Germans as well as Europeans.
Decency
Decency
In 2015, Merkel had to make a controversial decision when thousands of refugees headed for Western Europe. She opened Germany’s borders, kept them open, and decided to waive a key EU asylum rule. She was criticized by millions of Germans.
Key Actions
Key Actions
Before the crisis, Merkel liberalized many highly restrictive regulations for immigrants. When the crisis struck, she advocated a highly-criticized ”welcome culture.” The lack of a detailed plan divided the nation; nonetheless, she stood by her decision.
Merkel’s government took unilateral steps to slow down the rate of new arrivals and later introduced a more restrictive asylum policy.
Later, Merkel promised that a similar situation would not be repeated during her tenure.
Leadership Behaviors
Leadership Behaviors
Making difficult decisions despite controversies that ensued and not being intimidated by them.
Seeking and promoting global cooperation.
Lesson Learned
Lesson Learned
Leaders should stand by what they believe in, despite the fact that many people may not agree. Sometimes what you consider right may differ from a majority and there is when you must take a risk. If the impact of your decision isn't what's expected, be sure to recognize it directly to your audience and then explain how you plan to fix it.
Determination
Determination
During the euro-zone debt crisis, in which the European Union was threatened, Merkel handled the situation and prevented the EU from disintegrating. When struck by the global pandemic, her recovery plan served Europe as a whole as well.
Key Actions
Key Actions
Merkel developed a 7-point plan that would integrate East Germany and implemented austerity measures to boost the competitiveness of the entire eurozone.
Then, she led an intergovernmental treaty in which EU leaders agreed to create a fiscal unity parallel to the monetary union that already existed.
Leadership Behaviors
Leadership Behaviors
Solving problems through compromise, while not being too accommodating or flexible.
Advocates a "stability and growth" culture
Lesson Learned
Lesson Learned
Showing empathetic concern is specially important and useful when it impacts your stakeholders' mental, physical, and economic health. People trust leaders when they genuinely care for them.
Cooperative
Cooperative
Merkel has emphasized international cooperation in different contexts during her 16 years as chancellor. She has made her mark on German foreign policy, growing the country's role in the world significantly.
Key Actions
Key Actions
Merkel supported transatlantic relationships and continued the foreign policy of previous German governments in a businesslike manner without fanfare and with comity between all parties where possible. When she found out the US secret service had spied on her for years, she called out the US president saying, “spying among friends, that is unacceptable.”
Leadership Behaviors
Leadership Behaviors
Dispassionate and cooperative with all sides where possible
Always has an eye toward Germany's economic interests.
Lesson Learned
Lesson Learned
Crisis demonstrates the real qualities of a leader. Complicated issues require more than mere competence. Leaders should align their actions to benefit the majority of their citizens in a clear-headed and calm manner. Consistency and clear communication concerning an unresolved difficult issue can help to generate respect.
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