"Listening Softer" in Philadelphia — Grassroots Government In Action

Sometimes it’s the simple, common sense things that make all the difference. Like Listening. Philadelphia, like every other municipality is faced with a sizable budget deficit. The shortfall is estimated to be 170 million dollars in 2010 and projected to be 1 billion dollars in five years. By law, the City must have a balanced budget so there’s no choice but to face up to and address the challenges. Broadly speaking the solutions are pretty simple. Increase revenue, cut expenses or some combination of both. That’s the easy part.The hard part is developing the strategy and plans of how that gets accomplished. That’s where the tough decisions have to be made. The details of “what” gets implemented and “how” it gets done can make all the difference. These are the situations in which strong, enlightened, asset-based leadership has its time to shine. I saw some of that leadership shining through in the actions of Michael Nutter, the Mayor of Philadelphia.

The New York Times reported on a smart grassroots initiative he has put in place in advance of developing and submitting his budget. The Mayor decided to take a page out of President Obama's campaign strategy playbook and get he and his staff out in the community to listen and learn before they act. No surveys, polls or phone calls. People talking and interacting directly with each other. “Eye-to I ” contact. Mayor Nutter has initiated a multi-week  series of workshops on how to bridge the budget gap which will be held in public buildings, at breakfasts in diners and meetings in people’s homes.

Dr. Kathy Cramer, Ph.D of The Cramer Institute calls this the practice of “listening softer”. “We’ve all heard the term "listen harder" which implies narrowing your focus and blocking out distraction. Sometimes it’s more rewarding and productive to listen softer by showering your attention on a person and listening with your eyes and heart as well as your ears. Both parties hear and feel more” The Mayor will be holding 4 major workshops with 90 minute sessions that will organize citizens into working groups to discuss a potential list of program options prepared by the relevant City agencies. A chance for Philadelphians to learn about and discuss options and present their ideas before the budget is drawn up, Pretty simple idea, right. Sure, it’s not perfect and of course the Mayor can’t listen to all of the City’s 1.4 millon residents. And, there will always be deficit based be nay-sayers and skeptics. The Mayor understands this all too well. “We’ve got some tough decisions to make. Folks are not going to be happy”.Yes Mr. Mayor, folks won’t be happy with everything that is put in place as a result of this process. That's the unfortunate reality of the times we're in. But they should be happy about how you approached the decision making process and take some comfort in the fact they have an Asset-Based Thinking mayor who is willing to listen and base his decisions on the input and will of the people.My question is…Congressmen. Senators. Are you listening?

Article Author: Hank Wasiak

Hank Wasiak is a communications industry leader and co-founder of the creative hot shop, The Concept Farm. Hank is a best selling author, teacher, motivational speaker and three time Emmy award winning television host. Hank and Dr. …

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