Ivoiran leaders during the book discussion (Photo : Soro Yacouba/US Embassy)

Ivoiran Leaders Discuss Leadership at the Embassy

The American Cultural Center organized a vibrant discussion based on Steven Sample’s book "The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership," which was named "book of the year" by the Information Resource Center. Ambassador Aubrey Hooks gave the opening remarks and shared his own experience with the audience, discussing how he has adapted his leadership techniques to the needs of particular situations and locations through his career – listening carefully and acting daringly when necessary. Participants included the President of the Economic and Social Council, Laurent Dona Fologo, government ministers, elected officials, religious leaders, and NGO leaders. Mme Assana Sangaré, a prominent woman leader in Côte d’Ivoire, mediated the discussion, which focused on the characteristics of a successful leader: a good leader must listen, innovate, make strategic decisions, and work for his community. Several participants scrutinized areas of interest: the distinctions between leadership and management, how to integrate ethics and leadership, and varieties of leadership in different fields – government, business, and the non-profit sector. Many felt that the discussion of these strategies, coming at a turning point in Ivoirian history, were both timely and pertinent. The discussion closed with the announcement of the next book discussion, "Public Integrity," by Patrick Dobel.