{"id":3165,"date":"2017-05-25T10:11:53","date_gmt":"2017-05-25T08:11:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.connect2us.eu\/verhalen\/the-politician\/"},"modified":"2024-09-11T14:03:07","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T12:03:07","slug":"the-politician","status":"publish","type":"portfolio","link":"https:\/\/connect2us.eu\/en\/stories\/the-politician\/","title":{"rendered":"The politician"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Zayed has been asked to help with a member of parliament’s visit to the asylum seekers’ center.\nHis job is to welcome the politician, Freek van Balen, at the gate and show them the way to the reception desk.\nMr. van Balen arrives on a blue-and-yellow OV bike, dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a windbreaker. <\/p>\n\n

Zayed is puzzled.\n“Is that the politician we are waiting for? Without a car? How strange that the man comes on a bicycle and also in jeans. Inappropriate! That can’t be a strong, respected leader, can it? Then why is the director of our AZC acting so happy and there are even journalists?” <\/p>\n\n

Freek van Balen is always happy when he goes on a working visit.\nHe has migration in his portfolio and visits an asylum seekers’ center somewhere in the country every month.\nHe values traveling via public transport and, if possible, taking a bike when he arrives at the station: “Hey, how nice to ride a bike and how handy those OV bikes you can rent at the station are!” <\/p>\n\n

He is also glad he put on his jeans.\n“I wouldn’t feel at all comfortable in a neat suit when the refugees already have so little,” he says.\nIn that respect, he does not envy his predecessor Simon.\nWho became a minister and has a service car.\nAnd a lot less freedom of movement, always in suits.\nEveryone chooses his own style. <\/p>\n\n

Where is the connection?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Zayed comes from a hierarchical society and is used to a leader clearly displaying his success and status with expensive cars and fancy clothes.\nThat image commands respect, and vice versa, the hosts also feel more respected when an important person presents himself in that way.\nThe latter aspect in particular is quite often overlooked in the Netherlands.\nThat van Balen misjudged that. <\/p>\n\n

The Netherlands is very egalitarian and it is not that leaders lose their prestige because of their choice of clothing or means of transportation.\nThey dress according to the occasion and in this case the politician does not want to stand out too much among the migrants.\nEquality is important.\nHe thinks the migrants will feel more comfortable if he dresses casually.\nIn addition, he is convinced that his message is more important than what he is wearing.\nMoreover, the location is easy to reach by bicycle, and efficiency is more important than status here. <\/p>\n\n

The big question is always, who adapts.\nThe politician does not have to adapt.\nWe are in the Netherlands.\nBut still… <\/p>\n\n

Freek van Balen is not going to the AZC for the show.\nAt least, one would hope so.\nHe wants to talk to the asylum seekers.\nThey are full of expectations and expect a leader who can represent their interests.\nTrust has yet to be built. <\/p>\n\n

Clothing is part of communication, especially in indirect communication where a lot is told with gestures, clothing and other things.<\/p>\n\n

The politician must take that into account.\nWith mutual respect comes formal dress.\nA suit, in other words.\nThen the tie can stay off.\nOr, as I have often experienced in Asia, leave the jacket at home and wear the tie, especially when it is warm. <\/p>\n\n

Then the politician meets his audience and shows respect.<\/p>\n\n

Besides, we are very individualistic in our attitude.\nSo it’s our own choice.\nThat also makes it very confusing for us, and especially for newcomers. <\/p>\n\n

And the bicycle?\nThat’s almost Dutch folklore.\nIn many cultures, a leader on a bicycle is unthinkable. <\/p>\n\n

In short<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

For Freek van Balen: <\/p>\n\n