Davenport: ‘petition, paint party’ to help solve FHS building issues
The University of Tennessee’s first female chancellor recently told Farragut High School students the No. 1 characteristic of a leader is the ability to “manage hope.”
“People want someone who will help them see how things could be better,” said Beverly Davenport, speaking as part of the school’s Student Government Association’s Leadership Series. “We will work for, vote for and support people who help us believe [the future] can [improve].”
As an example, she asked students what changes they might like to see at their school. Two vocal responses were updates to school bathrooms and repainting.
Davenport then personally demonstrated that a leader can help define problems, make positive suggestions and show others how to take care of some problems themselves.
“For the bathrooms (you could start a) petition,” she suggested. “For the paint, you could have a paint party.”
Davenport shared several other leadership qualities, including “the ability to engender trust.”
“Are you going to follow someone that you don’t trust?” she asked. “(A leader) has to do what they say they will. (Additionally) you have to show up, be on time and be honest.”
Davenport said facilitating collaboration is another key quality.
“You must show respect to (your colleagues). Do you laugh or roll your eyes if they make suggestions? And, if you do, is that respectful?
“You have to make others believe they are valued,” she continued. “Being respectful is also paying attention to those who are left out because that is what leaders do.
“Kindness matters; respect and compassion — they matter.
“Words hurt. Words matter. They can break people’s hearts, and break people’s spirits.
“Be careful about what you say, and what you write. Don’t ever put negative things in writing (on social media especially). Just don’t do it.”
Davenport also warned against the prevalence of information overload.
“You should not pay so much attention to it,” she said, and also told the group not to get on any dating web sites.
“Just don’t do it.”
Davenport said one key responsibility for leaders is to “make hard decisions.”
“Everyone’s (opinion) won’t always lead the way,” she said. “Sometimes, you have to say no.”
Making those hard decisions has been a huge component of her first year at UT, which saw her having to oversee high-profile hirings and firings, specifically in the athletics department.
She later acknowledged during a question and answer session that it is among her least favorite job requirements.
“I don’t like to make the hard decisions,” she said, then commented, “People around here sure love their sports.”
Davenport also stressed the importance of acknowledging limitations.
“Don’t think you have all the answers, or that you will always know what is right,” she cautioned. “I surround myself with good people … people I can learn from, and people I can trust.
“You don’t want the people around you to be just like you.”
