Some great communicators and world leaders: three men, a Catholic, an Israeli and an Englishman. It may sound like the beginning of a bad joke, but these three are leaders of influence, affluence, and principal.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina and became Pope in March of 2013. He has managed some changes from the usual papal lifestyle. First, this Pope tweets. I mean, actually sends out little messages now and again about what he feels is important. His first tweet as Pope came only a few weeks after taking office. There he mentioned from his @pontiflex account that, “The Pope must serve all people, especially the poor, the weak, the vulnerable.” And he appears to live by those guidelines. He has come right down into St. Peters Square to pronounce blessings, and the famous popemobile is now open air. He lives in a modest apartment rather than the usual papal residence, and one Easter he washed the feet of prisoners, including one that was Muslim. He’s spent his adult life showing concern for the less fortunate, as well as, his humility, and a willingness to communicate with anyone, without regard to their beliefs or faith. His actions tell his message louder than any other tool. But he’s using the same tools we all have access to as well – social media. That seems truly noteworthy in our digital age.
Benjamin Netanyahu – As Israel’s Prime Minister, the man has a lot on his plate. But he is strong and passionate in his commitment to strengthen and support his country. In a recent speech, he pointed out the grave danger faced in this world from nuclear-armed Iran and other countries stating neither diplomacy nor sanctions have worked.
He went on to say “As Prime Minister of Israel, I will never let my people live in the shadow of annihilation.” Netanyahu sticks to his convictions. Almost anyone who knows his name has a strong opinion about the man, his policies, and whatever. If the goal of great communication provokes people to talk and think, he’s brilliant.
And lest someone else point this out first, his last name is just plain fun to say.
Richard Branson – The man loves to learn, to ask questions, to look for the unexpected. Even more than that, he takes great joy in offering or presenting the unexpected. By all accounts and appearance, he’s charismatic in the best possible way and doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously.
That’s not to say he doesn’t react seriously when it is needed. In crisis mode he’s front and center, never trying to hide behind someone else or casting blame. Ultimately, he seems like the type of person we’d like to be when we dream our grandest. He’s built a level of success that is astounding and still seems like he’d fit right in with all the others at a local sports bar or pub.
And with all of that, he’s returned much toward supporting and drawing attention to causes he believes. No, he’s not in charge of a country or an entire religious group – but he has built his empire and in the process become a communicator that people are always willing to hear.
These, of course, are just three who are great communicators. Who would you add to the list?
