The University Democrats and the Minority Rights Coalition hosted a discussion Wednesday about factors of leadership which give rise to crises such as the recent unrest in Ferguson, Missouri. Howard Hoege, the assistant dean for development and strategic initiatives at the Batten School, spoke about his experiences and opinions regarding effective leadership in such situations.
Hoege emphasized the importance of humanistic leadership in avoiding tragedies such as the riots in Ferguson. To do this, we must “spark a dialogue between us that is similar to the internal dialogue that we all have,” Hoege said.
Hoege began the event by recognizing the complexity of the Ferguson riots.
“Like most of you, I watched the Ferguson situation on TV,” Hoege said. “We all know that it is a lot to digest and absorb.”
He said we can begin to understand and analyze crises such as the Ferguson riots by thinking of an organization as a collection of systems and people. The role of leadership is to maintain a balance between systems, which include policies, processes and people. When organizations have dysfunctional systems, the leadership has to empower the people and embrace a humanistic approach to maintain a balance, he said.
Hoege gave an anecdotal example of such a case from his deployment in Iraq between 2003-04. Lt. Col. Chris Hughes of the 101st Airborne Division deployed in Najaf, Iraq avoided a violent confrontation with agitated Iraqi civilians simply by asking his men to kneel, point their guns toward the ground and smile.
In this case, the law and rules of engagement, which form a part of the “system,” authorized escalation of force based on the behavior of the civilians. But Hughes decided to value the “people” — the human aspect of the situation — more than the system, thereby exercising effective leadership, Hoege said.
“There is no training or policy or procedure that can be drafted in preparation of such a situation, except exercising leadership” Hoege said.
During the discussion with students at the meeting, second-year College student Eric Weitzner discussed people's preconceived perceptions about the people around them.
“Based on appearance, we make judgements regarding other people, which may not be consistent with their true nature,” Weitzner said.
In the case of the Ferguson riots, individual police raising their guns toward individuals in the crowd is a result of the dehumanization of others, Hoege said.
“It is easy to dehumanize if we don’t have an emotional relationship with them” Hoege said.
In order to avoid forming such false perceptions, Hoege directed the students in the audience to make every effort to reach out and form emotional connections with people who are different from them.
“You are the leaders,” he said. “Be more attuned to what people say in class, to what they do around you. If you see the opportunity to form a relationship, go for it. Form friendships and lead.”
Read More
Student Council debates resolution for increased allergen transparency, reviews summer budget
By Arshiya Pant | 14 hours agoThe resolution aimed to support students by requiring U.Va. Dine locations to provide a comprehensive list of allergens for food items on GrubHub.
Honor Committee brainstorms sanction diversification, considers future steps for AI
By Lexie Stadler | YesterdayHancock and Carson Breus, vice chair for sanctions and third-year Commerce student, said they are collaborating to explore fresh sanctioning avenues.
Gaston and Ramazani Houses — the University’s newest upperclassmen residences
By Zackary Holt and Vyshnavi Tatta | 2 days agoDining options will include a Peet's Coffee, The Den by Denny's, a Bodega deli and space for an additional restaurant that will change on a rotating basis.
