February 20, 2024

We have nothing to fear but … the fears of others?

By Matt Lehrman

Social Prosperity Partners

It’s hard enough to overcome our own fears, but for those in leadership positions, the greater challenge is navigating the fears of others.

That was one takeaway from our Feb. 2 Community Chat on “Putting Fear in Its Place.” I always learn something new when facilitating these leadership roundtables, and this month was no exception. I was especially struck by two moments of clarity, which I’ve also shared on YouTube.

WATCH NOW: “Putting Fear in Its Place” — Highlights From our February Community Chat

First Jessica Elston, school board president in Plainfield, Indiana, turned the focus to an underlying cause of fear-based attacks and conflict: a lack of trust. Later, however, Mayor Elaine McLain of Birmingham, Michigan, noted that the work of rebuilding trust “is not for the faint of heart.”

“The only way to handle fear,” she said, “is to hear it, identify it, and make sure there are boundaries on facts and behavior, especially in public civil discourse.”

“Boundaries on facts and behavior” are sure to come up again in our next Community Chat on March 1. It’s free to join, but space is limited, so register early to reserve a spot.

Community Chat: ‘The Trouble With Public Comments’

Public comments are a regular agenda item at council, commission and board meetings across the country. In many communities, however, the traditional Call to the Public is in trouble, as speakers line up to spread misinformation and make personal attacks with which elected officials, by law, are not permitted to respond from the dais. Increasingly, community leaders question the value of providing such a one-sided platform for social media’s outrage merchants. Has anyone found a way to sustain civility in public comments, or has this American democratic tradition outlived its usefulness? Let’s discuss.

PODCAST FLASHBACK: ‘FEAR ITSELF’