A presentation on managing public perception and avoiding negative press given by me today at an Infonex conference on sustainable energy infrastructure.
31. “The heart of dialogue is a simple but profound capacity to listen. Listening requires we not only hear the words, but also embrace, accept and gradually let go of our own inner clamoring.” William Isaacs
Recognize that without opposers, there can be no correction . . . Advocates provide valueRecognize that consultation is something you do with people, not to themConduct stakeholder engagement consistent with principles of ‘dialogue’
Trust is. . . an outcome, more than an originTrust is. . . based on shared values and norms that are expressed in a concrete social relationship Trust is. . . founded on interaction and reciprocityTrust is. . . something you can diminish if you are opportunistic Trust is. . . not a one-way streetTrust can be depleted and built but depends on engagement(To paraphrase Frances Fukuyama)
VoicingBe clear about what needs to be saidListeningWithout resistance or impositionRespectingBe aware of integrity of the other’s positionBe aware that you can’t fully understand that positionSuspendingAssumptions, judgment, certainty