January 3, 2024

Resolve to Make 2024 a Year of Civility

By Matt Lehrman

Social Prosperity Partners


Conflict mediation has always been part of my job as a strategic planning consultant, but in 2023, it became a big part. And if you’re reading this newsletter, you can probably guess why.


I meet with community leaders all across the country — elected officials, city managers, nonprofit directors and more — and everywhere I go, I hear horror stories about angry, obstinate people shouting in public meetings and refusing to listen to facts or reason. Indeed, there are countless examples you can watch on YouTube, toxic fallout from the culture wars and our polarized politics.

This trend might be good for my short-term bottom line, but here at Social Prosperity Partners, we are all about the long term. That’s why I’m inviting you to join in my New Year’s resolution for 2024: Make the decision to rise above cynicism, outrage and exhaustion.


THREE WAYS TO PROMOTE CIVILITY

When faced with outrage and incivility, our instinct is to fight back — defend ourselves — or else to hunker down and wait for the storm to pass. But a leader’s job isn’t to throw more fuel on the fire, it is to model civility by practicing it. Here are three habits to nurture:

  1. Verify facts (and share your rationale). Don’t let the angry tone stop you from listening for substance in the message. Be willing to share the rationale for your decisions while remaining open to new information that might change your perspective.
  2. Be fearlessly inclusive. Never be afraid to slow down and open up. Conversation leads to connection and creativity.
  3. Develop your skills of teamwork, communication and self-care. Good intentions alone won’t suffice — commit to investing in your capabilities this year.


JOIN THE CONVERSATION

These building blocks of civility sound simple enough, but simple doesn’t mean easy. So to help us all keep our New Year’s resolution, my commitment for 2024 is to bring as many of you into the conversation as possible.


Weekly newsletter: Fostering dialogue and championing courageous conversations among diverse community leaders. (Invite your colleagues to subscribe HERE.)


Monthly group chat: Connect with community leaders from across the country on the First Friday of every month for a candid discussion in a supportive, inclusive environment. No cost to join, but attendance is limited, so please register early. Our topic this Friday, Jan. 5, will be “Governance vs. Politics.”


New podcast: Debuting later this month, Community Catalysts will feature one-on-one conversations about leadership success stories that will illuminate and inspire. Coming soon to Apple, Spotify and all podcast platforms.

Connect with Matt:


About this Friday’s GROUP CHAT…

You’re still invited to join in a free, friendly and supportive conversation with other community leaders to share perspectives on Governance vs. Politics: Where does politics end and policy making begin?

RSVP HERE & NOW for the Friday, January 5, Group Chat. Space is limited.

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