Economist Joseph Schumpeter coined the term ‘creative destruction’, which underscores the relentless cycle of innovation, where new methods displace the old. This cycle, vital for progress, has ancient roots.
Shiva-Shakti: A Cosmic Dance of Vision and Action
Shiva and Shakti from Hindu mythology symbolise the balance between consciousness and energy. While Shiva epitomises the visionary force behind creation, Shakti brings that vision to life. For CEOs, this dynamic translates into the equilibrium between strategy (Shiva) and execution (Shakti).
It is also about making hard decisions: destroying old product and service lines that are no longer viable or profitable, changing direction, abandoning failing projects.
The Phoenix rising from the ashes is another brilliant and compelling myth, but it belies the gut-wrenching fortitude required.
In my book, Composure, I explored the interplay of these forces in personal renewal. Facing transformative challenges, akin to confronting dragons, demands immense resilience.
Alan Joyce’s Leadership at Qantas: Reflecting Ancient Wisdom
When Joyce became the captain of Qantas in 2008, the airline was in turbulent waters due to internal challenges and aggressive competition. His leadership tenure exemplifies the Shiva-Shakti dance:
Joyce as Shiva, The Destructor:
In 2014, Joyce reported a staggering $2.8 billion loss, leading to a slash of 5,000 jobs. This shook investor confidence, crashing share prices and credit ratings.
By 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic further tested Joyce’s mettle. Qantas halted most international flights, laid off 8,500 employees, and sought $1.9 billion in equity.
Joyce fought all sorts of dragons during those years.
Joyce as Shakti, The Creator:
Taking charge of the then-new Jetstar in 2003, Joyce transformed the budget airline into a profitable venture in five years.
By 2015, Joyce had successfully navigated Qantas out of turbulence, returning the airline to profitability and reclaiming its investment-grade rating.
Embracing and Navigating Discomfort
Both Shiva and Shakti faced formidable challenges and discomfort, teaching adaptability and the power of resilience.
Joyce’s most controversial move came in 2011 when he grounded the entire Qantas fleet during a union dispute. Stranding thousands and costing Qantas $194 million, this audacious decision, although uncomfortable, eventually favoured the airline.
Was it audacious or austere?
The Murky Waters of Controversy
Yet, leadership rarely has black and white decisions. During the pandemic, Joyce's choice to retain $570 million in flight credits drew criticism, tainting Qantas's reputation and leaving questions about its ability to rebuild trust.
The Ever-Evolving Dance of Leadership
Viewed through the Shiva-Shakti lens, Joyce's Qantas journey accentuates the delicate balance leaders need to strike between vision and execution, amidst public scrutiny.
The stories of Shiva and Shakti, mirroring the Qantas saga, remind CEOs of the cyclical nature of leadership. There are times of creation, disruption, and rebirth. Each challenge, decision, or pivot is merely a chapter in the ever-evolving story of leadership.
For leaders, here are some questions to consider in your role:
Do you avoid the ‘creative destruction’ cycle for fear of retribution?
How might you prepare for the volatile ‘creative destruction’ cycles?
How will you navigate the ethical questions and public critique that may come from your decisions?
Which role do you favour: the Breaker, a Shiva archetype, or the Maker, a Shakti archetype?
How might you embrace the energy of both in the dance of leadership?
Live well, lead well.
About Zoë Routh, Canberra leadership futurist
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to explore what's coming and what it means for leadership of the future.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture for the future with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a leadership futurist science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing big ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run 6 marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.