Lessons in leadership
Photo by August 10, 2016
Delaware’s Sen. Tom Carper addresses African women leaders
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper began an annual session with the University of Delaware’s Study of the U.S. Institutes Women’s Leadership Program (UD SUSI-WL) by shaking hands and learning the names of each of the 20 women from sub-Saharan Africa.
Once properly introduced, Carper went on to share many lessons in leadership that he has learned through decades of service – first in the United States Navy, later as governor of the state of Delaware, and now as a U.S. senator.
The senator narrated his own story of growing up and joining the Navy after years of dreaming of the Air Force. Zanji Sinkala, a UD SUSI leader from Zambia, remarked that Carper’s flexibility and openness to new opportunities was inspiring. “The greatest thing that I took, personally, was his dedication,” Sinkala said. “He really wanted to go to college and he didn’t let anything stop him. Someone told him about the Navy and he just went for it.”
Going forward, Sinkala will adopt his relentless spirit. “I learned that I should use every opportunity that I can, anything that comes my way. Even if something doesn’t go the way I want it to go, I will try something else.”
Carper continued by introducing the checks and balances of the governmental system, noting that the executive, judicial and legislative branches act as a “three-legged stool.”
He further explained that the House of Representatives and Senate are to act, according to Benjamin Franklin, like a cup of boiling tea on a saucer. “The House deals with the passions of the day and in the Senate, you can take the long view,” noted Carper.
According to Mary Longolongo, from Zambia, this concept is one she is ready to take back to her home community. “What he mentioned, the separation of power ... I think that’s one thing we need in most developing countries.” She added, “We always rely on one power which exercises almost every sector. In my own experience, I think this has always failed.”
Beyond American politics, Carper encouraged the SUSIs to lead through humility, always acknowledging their errors. “The key is to learn from our mistakes,” he offered. “When you make a mistake, admit it. Take the responsibility for the mistake, even if it was someone who works for you. Fix the mistake. Apologize for the mistake. Say you have learned from the mistake, and that you will not make the mistake again.”
For the rising young African leaders, Carper ended with what he considers the qualities each must learn to embody. “Number one, do the right thing, not the easy thing or the expedient thing. Number two, treat other people the way you want to be treated… Number three, focus on excellence in everything you do. If it isn’t perfect, make it better... Number four, when you know you are right, are sure you are right, don’t ever give up.”
Longolongo reflected on the experience as something she will look back on as she continues through her own leadership journey. “What [Carper] has learned from his own experience and the values that grounded where he is at right now, what has made him flourish, that has really impacted my life,” she said.
About the UD SUSI-WL
For the second consecutive year, the Institute for Global Studies is host to the Study of the U.S. Institutes Women’s Leadership Program (SUSI-WL). This year, participants hail from the countries of Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Zambia.
The SUSI-WL is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. SUSI institutes are five- to six-week academic programs designed for undergraduate students from across the globe to gain a deeper understanding of American society, culture and institutions through leadership training, civic engagement, domestic study tours and interaction with the people of the United States.
For more details on UD SUSI-WL, contact Dan Bottomley, associate director for global partnerships and programs, and follow along using the hashtag #UDSUSI.
Interested persons may also contact the Department of State at eca-press@state.gov for more information.
The Institute for Global Studies also administers two other internationally-recognized State Department-sponsored programs, the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders Institute, and the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program for Young African Leaders.
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