CM needs a conflict communication coach

The Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant labeling a group of patriotic islanders as ‘anti-India’ on the eve of India’s 75th Independence Day is reckless, immature and provocative. Fortunately, the Indian Navy and the people of Saó Jacinto were wise to empathise with each other and find an amicable resolution.
As the general administrator of Goa, Pramod Sawant must know better on how to de-escalate a conflict that can invoke strong sentiments of nationalism and patriotism, understanding clearly that the two are not the same.
As the chief vigilant of a community which is constantly challenged with an identity crisis, where the influx of different cultures is causing feelings insecurity and anxiety among the populace – he should know why ‘responding’ to conflict with empathy and reasoning is more effective than ‘reacting’ to conflict without considering the consequences.
As the Home Minster of a proudly secular society, he ought to know better about building bridges between the people and the institutions that govern them, by helping reframe the negative energy into positive opportunities for collaboration and peace.
Not everyone is qualified to comment on CM Sawant’s policies of finance and development, but on matters of peace and harmony, I believe every Goan agrees that he is passing through an unprecedented phase of speaking his mind. CM Sawant was recently accused of blaming the survivors of a rape incident for the horror of their lives. Now, for sure, being a doctor and a family man, he didn’t mean to trivialize the crime – but, the damage was done.
CM Sawant’s messaging has been a disaster. Good leaders strive in conflicting situations. They use crisis situations to rebuild trust among the people who are looking for direction and clarity. Goa’s traditions, today, are in a state of transit, which demands an even more delicate touch from its chief minister. However, instead of putting off fires, he seems to lighting unnecessary ones. The strains of leading a racially and socially dynamic society are obvious in his first responses to conflict.
The chief minister seems to be clearly not reading the room before speaking out loud. Blaming parents of minors for the rape can inspire dozens of perverts to go on crime spree. Labelling a community of peaceful local villagers as ‘anti-India’ can cause a communal riot, overnight. The Chief Minister clearly needs a conflict communication coach, because in his position as chief minister, there is no room for after-thought.
From a conflict management perspective, the chief minister seems to be struggling to separate the people from the problem. This technique needs to be internalised so that his media statements are not insensitive outbursts targeted at the people of Goa. Being in the hot seat, surely he successfully handles hundreds of these situations on a daily basis, but the one that he lets slip away is the one that can spiral into civil discord and disrupt communal harmony.
Separating the people from the problem will allow him to acknowledge and respect the emotions of the people he leads, even if he doesn’t agree with some of their perspectives. By ignoring or discounting the emotions of the community, he is only stretching himself further apart from them. The people of Goa yearn for a leader who is able to connect with them, despite differences and disagreements – and it is high time he understands that he has lost touch.
CM Sawant, every leader has their own challenges that come with the times, and considering the spirit of ‘bhoomi’ that you so fervently endorsed in the last weeks, you must surely regret labelling the people of Sao Jacinto as ‘anti-India’. Unfortunately, sir, you missed out on being the peacemaker, the voice of calm and the brain with creative solutions. You could have done so much better. Next time, take a few deep breaths before reacting to conflict, and you will do better.
There is no need for an apology, but, just so that we are on the same page – remember, it’s not the ‘Nation First’, it’s the ‘People of the Nation’ first.
Jai Hind!