Harry Harding, a political and policy expert and prominent China scholar, was appointed first dean of UVA’s Frank Batten Sr. School of Leadership and Public Policy last week.
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Harry Harding says Americans shouldn’t forget the role of “followership”: “Most of us are, at virtually every state in our careers, simultaneously leaders and followers.” |
Harding, currently teaching at the University of Hong Kong, faces the task of crafting a school based on the vision of Landmark Communications, Inc. executive Frank Batten, Sr., who donated $100 million specifically for the effort. Harding said he will concentrate on four main areas: the meaning and study of leadership; an integrated and united look at domestic and foreign public policy; state-of-the-art training for service at all levels of governance; and a successful integration of graduates into the private sector. C-VILLE caught up with the new dean while he was en route to China.
C-VILLE: Define leadership.
Harry Harding: Leadership is the ability to define and articulate a viable strategic vision for an organization, and then mobilize the various resources needed to attain, or at least advance, the objectives contained in that vision.
What is “American leadership?” What makes leadership in the United States unique, if at all, from other countries?
America is one of the most pluralistic and individualistic societies in the world. To some degree, that complicates the task of leadership—but it also means that American society provides enormous resources on which its leaders can draw. To some degree, too, Americans tend to emphasize leadership, without paying sufficient attention to the parallel role of followership. Most of us are, at virtually every state in our careers, simultaneously leaders and followers. Organizations and societies need people who are skilled at both tasks.
Does the Obama Administration represent a shift in leadership values?
I was struck in the inaugural address by President Obama’s list of values he associates with the U.S.—and, of course, the definition of guiding values is a key task of leadership. This contrasts quite interestingly with the Bush Administration’s focus on one particular value, that of freedom.
What are everyday instances of leadership? How can the average person exhibit leadership?
Anyone with responsibility over others in an organization is, or should be, a leader. And any member of society can be a leader, if they identify problems that need addressing. Identify solutions, and mobilize the political support behind those solutions.
Why is a leadership school important at UVA? How is the Batten School different from schools around the country, such as The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy?
One reason that a school of public policy is important for UVA is that it embodies Thomas Jefferson’s original vision, quite radical for his time, of including “politics” in the curriculum. By that, he almost certainly meant preparation of students for public service, as both appointed and elected officials and as active citizens.
What do you think will be the toughest part of building the faculty for the Batten School?
As always in recruiting, the challenge will be defining the positions carefully and recruiting the best possible people, collectively dedicated to excellence in teaching, academic research and policy analysis. On the other hand, UVA and Charlottesville are so attractive that recruiting those we selected shouldn’t be that “tough.” Fortunately, we can also draw on the talents of some of the faculty who already teach at UVA, many of whom have expressed great interest in being involved with the school.
What do you know about Charlottesville so far? What would you like to know?
Not as much as I would like, except that it is a beautiful city that has a reputation of being one of the best places to live in the United States. What would I like to know? Probably lists of the best restaurants and the best coffee houses, and of hikes for the weekends.
Blackberry or iPhone?
Blackberry, but I’m a recent convert. Resisted any such device until I moved to Hong Kong a month ago, but now I’m hooked.
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