Two professionals from the US
Institute of Peace (yes, we do have one of those), spent a few days teaching us
the fine art of advising in conflict zones.
Natacha and Arianna are the antithesis of most of the instructors until
now, but regardless of their softer demeanor, they are very good at what they
do having been to some scary places around the world with little to no
protection. We certainly can learn
something from the mere fact that they have been doing this type of work for
many years and are here today, alive and well.
We will evolve from being seasoned practitioners to supporting and
advising our partners. You cant go in feeling
superior to our hosts, no matter how many wheelbarrows of money we haul in. We have to look at enabling lasting solutions
to their capacity building problems from where they are, not as we want it to
be.
An advisor can assist, but not
command; have expertise, but not the last word; cooperate with other players
and be a trusting partner. Its all about
your credibility and their perception of your value to them.
The Afghans are masters at reading you. If you lose their trust, you might as well go
home.
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