In the early nineties, I was asked by the National Civic League to speak to a delegation of the interim government of Kazakhstan about group decision-making.* I gave my spiel, emphasizing basic techniques for including meaningful public involvement early and often, and achieving group consensus around controversial and complex projects. Then I said, “Any questions?” The group was very quiet and one man finally raised his hand shyly and asked, “But what do you do when people disagree with each other?” Unfortunately, I got their real problem only at that moment. These folks had grown up in a society that suppressed and punished individual wisdom. I had grown up assuming a basic right to have an opinion different from my government. My presentation was irrelevant to their needs.
2 Comments
Angela Hollingsworth
12/30/2013 03:11:14 am
Congratulations Leslie on being an open communicator. As your local chamber, marketing and tourism director I look forward to implementing these great ideas/practices with you. I would love to spend some time with you getting you up to date on what the Chamber and Marketing Committee are doing to improve the quality of life, business, and travel in Lake City.
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Leslie Klusmire
12/30/2013 03:18:41 am
Great Angela, Look forward to talking you. Leslie
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AuthorLeslie Klusmire is the Town Manager of Lake City, Colorado in Hinsdale County. Archives
January 2015
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