Page 6 - Finnish_leadership

Introduction
Leadership is not a simple concept, similarly as leadership itself is not easy or simple. Leadership is often perceived as a characteristic of an individual person even through, in reality, leadership is often shared
and it often also manifests in interpersonal activities
at all levels. also without specifically assigned roles. Leadership is also affected by the conditions where it occurs. In this case, the significance of societal customs and culture is emphasised. In the corporate life, the industry of the organisation, maturity of the company, competitive situation, strategy, staff and practices all affect what kind of leadership is required.
Consideration of Finnish leadership and its characteristics may evoke images of President Urho Kekkonen and the leadership ideal often embodied
by our presidents. Kekkonen rose from a modest background to the top of our country and led the nation through challenging times with a fatherly touch, simultaneously laying a foundation for Finland’s post-war prosperity. A similar narrative can be told of Kekkonen’s predecessors, Paasikivi, Mannerheim and Ryti, all of whom served as presidents during difficult times and under challenging circumstances. Despite this, all of them managed to steer Finland towards a brighter future.
On the other hand, in recent decades, our presidents have been characterised by a down-to-earth attitude and an ordinary demeanour. Although they serve in the highest public position in our country, they are considered to be near the common person. Koivisto travelled by a tram to Katajannokka and Halonen could be spotted at the Hakaniemi square among common people. Photos of Niinistö ploughing snow in front
of his home have spread around the world. Both of these mental images, the heroic leader and the hero of everyday life, tell a tale of Finnish leadership. Characteristics of Finnish leadership can also be sought by comparing our management customs with other countries. The importance of maintaining ”discourse” is often highlighted in the context of Swedish leadership.
This refers to speaking openly about issues and seeking multiple different aspects and solutions to issues. The Swedish method is then compared to the Finnish style of getting straight to the point and aiming to find
a solution right at the get go. Additionally, honesty
and rigour, traits that are also apparent in leadership,
are often emphasised as the virtues of Finns. It is acknowledged around the world that the word of a
Finn can be trusted, a Finn will always be on time, and
a Finnish company will always give you what you ask
for – which is not the case with some other countries. It can therefore be said that there are many mental images connected to the national characteristics of leadership, but can we say anything concrete about Finnish leadership? Something to express its core?
Despite their differences, all of these descriptions concerning Finnish leadership share certain features, which we can recognise as Finnish characteristics. But where do they come from and what exactly makes them Finnish?
If we look at Finnish leadership against a historical background, we can see how it has taken shape along with other societal development. If we cut a few corners, we can summarise the issue in the following historical frame: Finnish society has lacked a strong elite, i.e. a powerful nobility. Under Swedish rule, we were the easternmost, forest-dwelling part of the empire, and once Finland became a grand duchy in the Russian Empire, the country’s elite was so small and weak it needed the support of peasants. This was the breeding ground for the Fennoman movement and the strong agricultural background of the Finnish society. As recently as in the 1800s, the poor people of the rural areas and the workers of cities were excluded from developing the society. However, both groups came to the heart of the events at the beginning of the 1900s.
After tragic events, including the Finnish Civil War, the Winter War and the Continuation War fought against the Soviet Union, the foundation for Finnish society was laid
6 The State and Future of Finnish Leadership