UN leader defends leadership style amid criticism

Source: Associated Press

OSLO — U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon defended his leadership style Monday after stinging criticism by a Norwegian diplomat, saying different cultures and traditions in the world body must be respected.

Norway's U.N. Ambassador Mona Juul accused the South Korean of weak leadership, lack of charisma and angry outbursts in an internal memo that leaked to Norwegian news media this month.

"Personally, I admit that it doesn't feel good to be criticized sometimes, but I am always looking to improve my role and my performance as a secretary-general," Ban told reporters during a visit to Oslo.

He noted that the U.N. consisted of people from all over the world with different backgrounds.

"We need to be able to respect the culture, tradition and leadership style of each and every leader," he said. "Different circumstances may require different leadership style and different charisma. I have my own charisma, I have my own leadership style."

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