Additionally, Errol’s responses brought forth a question that resurfaces many aspects of social justice and advocacy work: Power and the illusion of power. Earlier in the semester we visited Paulo Freire and Myles Hortons’ book, We Make the World by Walking, and examined the flaws of charismatic leadership and certain charismatic leaders: Overly charismatic leaders may see themselves as the driving force behind a movement and overlook how the people, in fact, are the ones who carry the momentum and propel the movement. Empowering people should not be seen as giving something to those that doesn’t exist. The illusion of power is when people misinterpret leadership and empowerment for being a savior to those who are “vulnerable.” Instead, as
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His leadership style aligns with several of the principles we have discussed in class. Leadership is the ability to listen and allow other people to be heard. A good leader constantly seeks to understand both sides. Great leadership should foster inclusivity, despite the hierarches set in place by our institutions. Similar to the Art of Hosting, great leaders and organizers eliminate power dynamics so that more meaningful conversations can happen and constructive solutions can be made. Leaders should refrain from having a savior-like mentality and should encourage others that even that anyone, regardless of their position in power, can help solve even the most complex problems. Overall Leaders themselves are just agents and in many ways act as hosts, inviting people to the table, nourishing thought and reasoning, fostering inclusivity, and helping people rediscover their greatest …show more content…
I am blessed to still utilize him as a mentor and a person to help me rediscover my strengths and passions that have been suppressed as a result of my upbringing in these institutions. Errol has never been one to acknowledge how many students he has empowered or how much change he has contributed to marginalized groups. But his involvement in my college experience has helped me to break the cycles of socialization. His involvement has helped me to be more aware and conscientious of narratives that are taught. It has made me eager to use my gifts to empower those oppressed in medicine. It has given me a completely different out look on life, one that is so much more positive and
His leadership style aligns with several of the principles we have discussed in class. Leadership is the ability to listen and allow other people to be heard. A good leader constantly seeks to understand both sides. Great leadership should foster inclusivity, despite the hierarches set in place by our institutions. Similar to the Art of Hosting, great leaders and organizers eliminate power dynamics so that more meaningful conversations can happen and constructive solutions can be made. Leaders should refrain from having a savior-like mentality and should encourage others that even that anyone, regardless of their position in power, can help solve even the most complex problems. Overall Leaders themselves are just agents and in many ways act as hosts, inviting people to the table, nourishing thought and reasoning, fostering inclusivity, and helping people rediscover their greatest …show more content…
I am blessed to still utilize him as a mentor and a person to help me rediscover my strengths and passions that have been suppressed as a result of my upbringing in these institutions. Errol has never been one to acknowledge how many students he has empowered or how much change he has contributed to marginalized groups. But his involvement in my college experience has helped me to break the cycles of socialization. His involvement has helped me to be more aware and conscientious of narratives that are taught. It has made me eager to use my gifts to empower those oppressed in medicine. It has given me a completely different out look on life, one that is so much more positive and