Blog Post
Managing Phony Issues & Conflict on Social Media
During Clinic #96 on "Protect Your Work from Citizen Anger (and Politics!)", we outlined how to prevent being end-run by your projects' opponents. More importantly, how to see end-runs as a symptom of a problem -- rather than the problem itself. If minimizing...
Why Opponents’ Dirty Tactics are so Effective for Decision Makers
Hard problems are hard to solve. As subject matter experts, most of your solutions will have serious drawbacks. Do NOT expect negatively impacted stakeholders to like your proposal! Some will even resort to "playing dirty", attack you personally, or dispense...
How Should Public Agencies Funded by Users, Weigh Non-User Input For Decision Making?
An organization that participated in one of our recent monthly Clinics asked an interesting question: "Agencies were created by the public, but many agencies are funded largely by users (i.e. hunting and fishing licenses). When there is disagreement, does the will of...
The Key Differences Between Private & Public Sector Work
There are so many aspects that make your public service work different from private-sector work. Some differences are obvious. While the most significant are not. Even if you've had experience in both the public and the private-sector, chances are you haven't fully...
How You React to a Decision Making Mistake is the Real Mistake
You know stuff happens. Even when your team does all it can to avoid screw-ups and mistakes. The thing is -- mistakes aren't what will land you (and your credibility) in trouble with your public... It's the knee-jerk reaction we all have to them that will actually...
Mishandle Human Conflict and Your Technical Consent Building Work Goes Down the Drain!
As a Subject Matter Expert, you’re prepared to deal with all sorts of technical problems. But are you equipped to deal with the human conflict integral to public-sector work? Let's take a look and dig a little deeper by focusing on four key points. 1. Even if your...
5 Ways to Gain, Nurture, and Protect Your Credibility with the Public
Public's Trust is a Must It's hard enough to get your technical work done within budget and time constrictions. It's nearly impossible if you lack credibility with your public. Even a private entity, like a utility, with a pretty obvious mission and type of service --...
Public Sector Officials: How To Combat Online Negativity and Social Media Trolls
Being attacked is never easy... For many public-sector professionals, it never stops either. Some members of the public act like making negative comments and online attacks on public officials is a sport. And as anti-government attitudes heat up, so do the hateful...
3 Ways Your Public Organization Can Use Social Media Effectively To Build Consent
How Public Agencies Need to Use Social Media to Get Respect, Not Hatred. It can sometimes seem like Social Media is just one more facet for the public to dump on you and your team. Attacks at public meetings have never been pretty, yet what is often said online can...