Revisiting the Legacies of Angela Merkel (And How They Can Serve as Inspiration for Women Leaders) - by Sarifa Alonto Younes

Angela Merkel occupied the highest seat in Germany, which is one of the most powerful nations in the world. And her legacies hold big lessons for women leaders worldwide. 

When we talk about outstanding women leaders in the 21st century, Angela Merkel is sure to be in the top 1%. After all, she personified exemplary leadership as the Chancellor of Germany. 

Even more impressive, she was the first woman to hold that powerful position. And she held it for 16 years, which made her the second longest-serving Chancellor in the history of Germany. 

As Chancellor, Merkel led Germany out of multiple crises when other European countries were struggling. For instance, she steered her country through economic disputes. She also subdued errant far-right voices and was a role model for women all over the world. 

Merkel is known to make bold decisions and take strong positions on sensitive issues. However, her rule is characterized by a cautious approach to decision-making. She avoided being impulsive and practiced quiet pragmatism and sober modesty instead. 

These leadership traits endeared her to many people. And it helped her have four consecutive terms. It’s the reason she’s achieved so much success on the national and global stage. 

At some point in her long tenure, Merkel morphed from Chancellor to “mother of the nation.” It’s the reason why her supporters and opponents called her “Mutti”, an old-fashioned word for “mom”. This further cemented her as a bold, compassionate, admirable, and protective leader. 

In this article, we’re going to examine her five noteworthy legacies and the lessons women leaders can learn from them. 

The 5 Legacies

Legacy #1 - Winning in a Man’s World

Merkel wasn’t handed the German Chancellor position. Instead, she started from scratch and made her way up the ranks. 

She kicked off her political career by joining the Democratic Awakening party after the infamous collapse of the Berlin Wall. And in Germany’s first post-reunification election, she won a seat in the lower house of parliament. 

Soon after, Merkel joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and was eventually elected party chairman. She then became the party’s secretary-general and, in 2000, was elected to lead it. 

Now, the CDU was a male-dominated, largely Catholic party with deep roots in West Germany. But Merkel wasn’t any of that - she was a Protestant, childless, East German woman. She made her way to the top despite being a minority. 

And when the 2005 elections ended in a stalemate, a grand coalition government emerged with Merkel at its head. She became the first female political leader in Germany and surpassed many men who wanted that position.

The same thing happened when she was Chancellor. While she was surrounded by male leaders, she shone amidst them and outlasted most of them. She rubbed minds with 4 U.S presidents, 5 British Prime Ministers, 4 French Presidents, and 8 Italian Premiers. 

Merkel shows us that being a woman doesn’t limit your qualifications, skills, or abilities. It also doesn’t mean you cannot lead, survive or dominate a world dominated by men. You are stronger and smarter than you think you are. 

Legacy #2 - Managing Crises in Europe 

Merkel had a reputation of staying up late looking for ways to resolve conflicts. She’s also known to be well-prepared in handling them. To do that, she speaks to everyone and works with all sides until a consensus deal is on the table.

That’s why the legacy she gets the most credit for is her skillful management of several crises in Europe.

You see, Merkel helped steer the European bloc out of the financial crisis in 2008. She guided the region through a subsequent crisis that seriously threatened the EU. And in 2015, her efforts evidently paid off in the handling of a migration crisis that suddenly came upon Europe.

She also got Europe to agree on sanctions for Russia over the annexation of Crimea.

Her skills in negotiating deals and favorable outcomes are unparalleled. So, it’s no surprise when she is sometimes regarded as the “decider” and de-facto leader of the European bloc. 

It’s clear that exceptional leaders like Merkel are strong, efficient, and firm. As a woman leader, you have to imbibe those traits, too, to be exceptional. 

Also, you have to be prepared. Work all angles and earnestly strive to find ways to resolve crises in your business. When you find solutions that favor all parties, there’ll be more cooperation. This will boost unity which will help your organization to move forward faster.

Legacy #3 - Advancing the Representation of Minority Groups

Merkel’s name was written in the history books when she became Germany’s first female Chancellor. But she wasn’t just the first woman to hold that position. She was also the first East German to do so. 

This was significant because both groups, women and East Germans, were underrepresented in leadership positions across Germany. And Merkel’s tenure advanced the representation of both groups. 

How?

First, she surrounded herself with female advisers. She integrated more women into her cabinet. There was also a significant representation of East Germans, too. And by the end of her tenure, more women were occupying leadership positions in Germany and Europe. 

Second, her government introduced policies that afforded women more time and freedom. They got more opportunities to build successful careers and clinch leadership positions.  

Merkel shows us that leaders not only rule majority groups, but they’re also in charge of the affairs of minor groups. 

And to build a successful business operation, every group in your organization needs to be represented fairly. That way, you can communicate better with them and get the most out of them. 

Legacy #4 - Stance on Welcoming Refugees

In an interview a few years ago, Merkel said dealing with the migration crisis of 2015 - 2016 was the most challenging for her

It’s because, at that time, Europe became overwhelmed by the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Islamic asylum seekers. They were from war-torn regions in the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central Asia.

While most nations were reluctant to accept those refugees, Merkel led Germany in welcoming them with open arms. 

As to be expected, it generated a lot of criticism. Accepting young Muslim males into an older Christian society caused some friction. It also courted controversy in European politics and fueled the rise of nationalist parties.

However, it paid off as it made Germany much more comfortable for immigrants as compared to other nations.

The truth is that Merkel simply exemplified one of the biggest traits of good leaders:

Compassion. 

Understanding and empathy go a long way in finding lasting solutions to problems. If you view your clients in this light, you’ll be able to serve them better. And your business will be better for it.

Legacy #5 - Energy Reform 

Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, Markel announced that Germany would immediately shut down eight of its 17 nuclear reactors. She added that the rest would be phased out by 2022. 

This move was part of a gradual transition to alternative energy sources that would reduce the effects of global warming. Merkel’s decision won her considerable support. It boosted Germany’s stance as a world leader in protecting the environment and the future of humanity.  

The thing here is that Merkel had first stated that the nuclear reactors would stay. But as soon as the nuclear disaster happened in Japan, she made a U-turn and banished the reactors. 

Some people said she used the emotionally-charged aftermath of the disaster to do one thing:

Change the minds of stubborn bosses of energy corporations who were reluctant to embrace alternative energy sources.

It was a clever move, and it worked. 

As a woman leader, understand that timing is important in making key decisions. Taking the right step at the wrong time often leads to unpleasant outcomes. 

Believe that You Can Be a Successful Woman Leader 

Angela Merkel wasn’t an exceptional orator or a guru on politics. Yet, she beat many men and went on to become Germany’s first female Chancellor.

She didn’t just become Chancellor for the sake of it, either. Merkel excelled in that position and achieved many impressive feats both home and abroad. That’s why she was able to hold her position for 16 years.

By being firm, thorough, and compassionate, Merkel dominated a world filled with male leaders. That’s why she’s a role model to women leaders all over the world.

When you imbibe these same characteristics, you’ll also be an exceptional women leader. You’ll navigate tough situations and power your business forward.

Do you want to leverage the lessons you learned from the legacies of Angela Merkel for better business leadership? Feel free to book my speaking services at your next event.