Renée A. Daugherty, Ph.D. and Sue E. Williams, Ph.D.

Developing Effective Developing Effective LeadersLeadersDeveloping Effective Developing Effective LeadersLeaders

Managing Controversial Public Issues:Managing Controversial Public Issues:Solve a Problem or Create a RiotSolve a Problem or Create a RiotManaging Controversial Public Issues:Managing Controversial Public Issues:Solve a Problem or Create a RiotSolve a Problem or Create a Riot

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In this session, you will learn to: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 IssueElements 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

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Potential ControversyPotential Controversy

Quality of life/standard of livingPersonal health/safetyEnvironmental riskJustice/equalityRole of government

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The Public Decision-Making ProcessThe Public Decision-Making Process

Public Problem

Facts Myths Values

Public Decision

Activity: Who Gets the Heart?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

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Approaches to Problem SolvingApproaches to Problem Solving

Pro vs. ConDivisive and destructive

Alternatives and Consequences

Cohesive and constructive

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Styles of Issue Resolution:Traditional & Issue BasedStyles of Issue Resolution:Traditional & Issue Based

PrinciplesAssumptionsStepsTechniques

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Styles of Issue Resolution- PRINCIPLES -Styles of Issue Resolution- PRINCIPLES -TraditionalTraditional Issue-based Issue-based

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Styles of Issue Resolution- ASSUMPTIONS -Styles of Issue Resolution- ASSUMPTIONS - TraditionalTraditional Issue-based Issue-based

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

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Styles of Issue Resolution- TECHNIQUES -Styles of Issue Resolution- TECHNIQUES -

Traditional Issue-basedTraditional Issue-based

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Naming the IssueNaming the Issue

Reflect people’s concernsUse public termsReflect different perspectives and

experiences

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Naming the Issue – ExamplesNaming 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

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Framing an Issuefor Public Decision MakingFraming an Issuefor 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.

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Issue FrameworksIssue 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

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Context for Framing IssuesContext for Framing Issues

Be sensitive to: Perceived concerns Stakeholders

Include affected groups when working to frame the issue.

Goals for Issue FramingGoals for Issue FramingMaking choicesUnderstanding underlying concernsCommon groundMeaningful engagementUnderstanding without oversimplifyingCitizen empowermentProblem-solving skillsImproving the quality of public talkBroad range of views

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Steps in Issue FramingSteps 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

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Attributes of a Successful Issue FrameworkAttributes 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.

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Roles for Community LeadersRoles for Community Leaders

Forecaster or FuturistAdvisor or ConsultantFramework DeveloperFacilitatorInformation ProviderProject Developer

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Top 10 Actions forSolving Public ProblemsTop 10 Actions forSolving Public Problems

1. Tell it like it is2. Be available3. Offer predictions to challenge people’s

thinking4. Admit mistakes5. Trust the people6. Get acquainted with other leaders7. Capture the “teachable moment”8. Do your homework9. Work within the system10. Be objective

Final ThoughtFinal Thought

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“You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem.”

Eldridge Cleaver