COURSE DESCRIPTION: WESTAR’s Training Program will host this 2-day leadership training on building trust in government for agency personnel in leadership positions at an agency.
Quantifiable polls, research and empirical evidence in the United States shows that people are increasingly suspicious and distrustful of government, science and expertise, particularly those public interest initiatives that are perceived to disrupt and change people’s lives.
Community opposition and protest can derail the best plans and intentions. Angry, cynical and emotional people don’t represent their interests very well, and simply ignoring or dismissing their skepticism isn’t a productive or effective option.
Managing public projects and policy requires an understanding of why people feel and react the way they do, and learning how to better prevent and handle that public emotion and opposition, to build relationships and rebuild public trust.
This course is a highly researched, time tested, effective approach for dealing with public anger, emotion, fear and opposition associated with public engagement and public information programs.
The class builds on proven, recognized global best practices in public participation and consensus building as well as continually updated and practical research from experts in public outrage, risk communication and behavioral science. The course helps managers and staff understand and manage authentic public involvement, and to deal with citizen anger in decision-making and public policy. This is a hands-on, customized, dynamic 2- day in person mix of interactive, large group discussions, videotape, small group problem solving with timely, real-world scenarios and exercises that gives people the understanding, tools and confidence to manage the tough public issues that they face.
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