Hubris or arrogance – closely related, but subtly different emotions – are one of the biggest impediments to (re)building and maintaining trust in people who need to know that you’re credible. The challenge comes when highly qualified, well-intentioned people need to relate to those who don’t have that knowledge and ...
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We talk about the loss of trust in expertise and institutions and it begs the obvious question of what we can do to get it back. The answer to that question is a little more involved than this very brief answer, but it’s not a bad place to start. Be ...
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There’s a common belief that people in Western societies are becoming increasingly polarized, folding into moral tribes. But there’s significant evidence to suggest that we may be less polarized than we’re sometimes encouraged to believe. There are those who stand to gain power and income by convincing us we’re widely ...
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Kid diseases that have been inconsequential for decades because of childhood immunization programs are making a comeback because those programs are now under assault. We have at least one avowed anti-vaxxer Presidential candidate making noise. Trust in credible institutions and science is deteriorating. Up is down, black is white, and ...
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Every once in a while, we can all use a shot in the arm (or in my case, a shot). When true public participation presents itself, we need to celebrate it. If you’re looking for lessons, guidance and good examples, I can’t think of a better inspiration than Vermont Town ...
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We’re way over-surveyed and it drives me a little nuts. I don’t want to “provide my customer experience to help them serve me better” every time I buy a pack of gum at 7-11. Online reviews especially have gone overboard and I ignore ’em . . . unless I have ...
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The value of humility can’t be overstated when it comes to preventing and reducing conflict. It seems counterintuitive to professionals who have worked hard their entire lives to develop a high level of expertise and confidence in their own abilities in their respective fields. So, to be asked to be ...
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The results are in and the news isn’t good for political leaders. According to a recent and expansive U.S. News & World Report/Harris Poll survey, 72% of people don’t trust them. But on the encouraging side, people also said exactly what it will take for them to earn the trust ...
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Excellence is defined as being outstanding or extremely good. You may not agree with or like some of the following people who excel at connecting, but you should appreciate their ability to do so. Bill Clinton has a remarkable ability to connect with mass audiences, and also make individuals in ...
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We’ve raised this in past issues, but obviously the obvious is not always that obvious, so it bears repeating: possibly the most important component of public engagement is active, intentional listening. I’m sure that you know the basics, it’s part of the core beliefs and fundamental work of our ...
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