Renée A. Daugherty, Ph.D. and Sue E. Williams, Ph.D. Developing Effective Leaders Managing Controversial Public Issues: Solve a Problem or Create a Riot

2 In this session, you will learn to: Identify elements of a community issue. Distinguish between myths, facts, & values. Appreciate importance of naming issues. Understand the elements of issue framing. Understand alternatives and consequences. Recognize styles of issue resolution. Identify roles that leaders can perform.

Elements of Public Issue Is the “problem” a problem or a solution being promoted? Is there controversy? Is it a public problem? What are the multiple sides to the issue? Can public discussion offer a solution? Are people ready to discuss? Is there a window of opportunity for resolution? Are there resources for resolution? Are you willing & able to be neutral and objective? 3

4 Potential Controversy Quality of life/standard of living Personal health/safety Environmental risk Justice/equality Role of government

5 The Public Decision-Making Process

Activity: Who Gets the Heart? 22-year-old Brazilian soccer star 53-year-old Nobel Prize winning scientist on the verge of discovering a cure for Heart Disease 37-year old single mother on welfare 66-year-old retired woman with 17 grandchildren

7 Approaches to Problem Solving Pro vs. Con Divisive and destructive Alternatives and Consequences Cohesive and constructive

8 Styles of Issue Resolution: Traditional & Issue Based Principles Assumptions Steps Techniques

9 Styles of Issue Resolution - PRINCIPLES - Traditional Issue-based

10 Styles of Issue Resolution - ASSUMPTIONS - Traditional Issue-based Traditional Issue-based

11 Styles of Issue Resolution - STEPS - Traditional Issue-based

12 Styles of Issue Resolution - TECHNIQUES - Traditional Issue-based

13 Naming the Issue Reflect people’s concerns Use public terms Reflect different perspectives and experiences

14 Naming the Issue – Examples Divisive  Public School Consolidation  Government Health Care  Abortion; Family Planning Cohesive  Improving Educational Opportunities for Public School Youth  Improving Access to Health Care  Preventing Teen Pregnancy

15 Framing an Issue for Public Decision Making Pulling together people’s concerns and perspectives on an issue to create a framework in which the community can make choices about how to act.

16 Issue Frameworks Frameworks can be used in many ways:  Articles in newspapers and on web sites  Public deliberative forums  Town hall meetings  Brochures, flyers and handouts  Speeches and public commentary  Media interviews

17 Context for Framing Issues Be sensitive to:  Perceived concerns  Stakeholders Include affected groups when working to frame the issue.

Goals for Issue Framing Making choices Understanding underlying concerns Common ground Meaningful engagement Understanding without oversimplifying Citizen empowerment Problem-solving skills Improving the quality of public talk Broad range of views 18

19 Steps in Issue Framing 1. Identify the issue 2. Research the issue 3. Name the issue in public terms 4. Identify concerns 5. Identify possible actions 6. Cluster actions into policy directions 7. Identify alternatives and consequences 8. Identify potential trade-offs

20 Attributes of a Successful Issue Framework Based on a problem suitable for public deliberation and decision making. Reflects input from a wide range of community perspectives. Uses tension/dilemmas to stimulate thoughtful consideration of policy approaches.

21 Roles for Community Leaders Forecaster or Futurist Advisor or Consultant Framework Developer Facilitator Information Provider Project Developer

22 Top 10 Actions for Solving Public Problems 1. Tell it like it is 2. Be available 3. Offer predictions to challenge people’s thinking 4. Admit mistakes 5. Trust the people 6. Get acquainted with other leaders 7. Capture the “teachable moment” 8. Do your homework 9. Work within the system 10. Be objective

Final Thought 23 “You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem.” Eldridge Cleaver