Fostering Relationships and Partnerships
Fostering Relationships and Partnerships
By Said Ul Amin | Submitted on February 13, 2023.
Private citizens, businesses, stakeholders and special interest groups, other government/public agencies, and countless others play an integral role in building and maintaining vibrant healthy communities.
It is simple logic that the more people preaching the same message the easier it is to gain public support. Effect positive change and sustain vibrant communities. Especially in the age of social media, it is absolutely essential to constantly establish and nurture new relationships and partnerships. Developing a relationship or partnership requires regular two-way communication and building trust over time.
If you are allowedly to forge a new partnership or expand an existing relationship by attending a conference or informal networking event or speaking to a stakeholder group, take advantage while you can because You never know where it can lead and how valuable and essential these contributions can be. sometime in the future.
Turning opponents into allies
Throughout history, there are countless examples of individuals in the public sector who turned opponents or potential opponents into allies. Abraham Lincoln was a master at building partnerships and had incredible success in doing so without burning bridges.
He applied the principle of keeping his enemies close and forming alliances rather than adversaries. After winning his first presidential election, Lincoln filled his cabinet with political rivals and strongmen.
He was also very adept at using these individuals as resources, each of whom had a role to play in presenting a united front and how they could lead him through one of the most tumultuous periods in our nation's history. could advocate for diverse groups.
Use and create partnerships with the media
One person who embraced the media as a resource that could be used to his advantage was Theodore Roosevelt. At the turn of the century the United States was experiencing a "growth spurt" and establishing its position as an industrial powerhouse.
However, with growth come "growing pains" and while the media were certainly a resource they were also a social watchdog. Journalists studied what we know today as investigative reporting and exposed some of the evils that came with industrialization: business monopolies; "Backdoor Deals;" Dangerous and deplorable working conditions and unfair labor practices. So, while the media can be an effective partner, it needs to be vigilant.
Respect the power of the press and remember that perception is reality. This is especially important in the public sector as you are charged with the responsible use of public funds while providing essential services to the people you serve.
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