Stephen H Baum Leadership

Gene Sharp is an unlikely revolutionary. 80 years old, single, childless and living in modest digs near Logan Airport, his books on nonviolent resistance to dictators have been the field guides to action in almost a dozen countries around the world. He is a shy, quiet man whose exuberance emerges only when tending his orchids. 

What lessons might we draw for improving our leadership? What did Sharp do to go from unknown author to a force for change? Here is what he did (you can draw your own inferences):

1. He recognized the need in the world for a center of excellence on what millions are passionate about — he collected what works and what does not work into  a comprehensive tome

2. He “translated” the tome into a 90 page, readable pamphlet (“From Dictatorship to Democracy”) with common principles and a menu of proven tactics (which created a new perception that nonviolent resistance can be a “professional” practice of the mainstream rather than a set of random acts by extremists)

3. He made the pamphlet easily available as a download on the internet

4. Serendipity — luck for the prepared — played a role too. Fliers for his workshop at Harvard were noticed by a former foreign service officer  who sought him out and they connected as kindred spirits and collaborators.

5. He did his own field work (going into countries to meet people, listen and analyze events)

6. He founded an institute to promulgate the expertise and attracted funding

Sharp has not stood in the way of one of his former students, Peter Ackerman, a more powerful, connected supporter of his  teachings who has escalated the “marketing” into film documentaries, a video game and more. And there are “alumni” organizations in different countries around the world. 

For more, download the pamphlet and read the article in the WSJ this past Saturday:  American Revolutionary by Philip Shishkin.