In every community, organisation, and society, there is one constant: people. People with needs, hopes, values, and a desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. When we talk about community engagement, we’re really talking about connection, the human kind. It’s not about checking boxes or hosting town halls; it’s about building trust, listeningContinue reading “Understanding community engagement in a connected society”
Tag Archives: leadership
The cup of coffee and the art of engagement
Imagine this: you and I are having a cup of coffee. It’s simple, it’s human, and it’s equal. When we sit across the table with a warm mug in our hands, the titles disappear. CEO, manager, intern, client, or partner, it doesn’t matter. What remains is two people in conversation, building trust sip by sip.Continue reading “The cup of coffee and the art of engagement”
Cracking the code: making sense of stakeholder impact to support effective decision-making
Every great decision should start with a simple question: why does it matter? Organisations don’t solely thrive because they have the best strategies or the most detailed plans, they thrive because they understand the people they affect and the people who affect them. When leaders take the time to truly see the ripple effects ofContinue reading “Cracking the code: making sense of stakeholder impact to support effective decision-making”
Broadening our stakeholder lens beyond the political spectrum
When we think about stakeholder engagement in major infrastructure projects, it’s easy to gravitate towards the most visible and powerful voices: our MPs and Councillors. After all, they hold elected office, they’re easy to find in the phonebook, and they often have the authority to shape public perception and funding decisions. But if we focusContinue reading “Broadening our stakeholder lens beyond the political spectrum”
Breaking the stop-start cycle in stakeholder engagement
In major infrastructure projects, stakeholder engagement can mistakenly be treated as a campaign, one that is intense, urgent, and highly visible at key moments, then quiet, almost absent, in the periods in between. This ‘feast or famine’ approach isn’t just inefficient. It erodes stakeholder trust. And trust is the foundation of all strong relationships. SoContinue reading “Breaking the stop-start cycle in stakeholder engagement”
Lead with empathy: engaging stakeholders with additional needs the right way
For some, stakeholder engagement can mistakenly be approached as a box tick exercise; a workshop, a newsletter, a public consultation event. But when you strip away the jargon and frameworks, what you’re left with is a simple human truth: people want to feel seen, heard, and understood. And for those with additional needs, including neurodiverseContinue reading “Lead with empathy: engaging stakeholders with additional needs the right way”
Start with listening: the art of conversation and the engine behind infrastructure projects success
We often think of infrastructure as concrete and steel, bridges, roads, tunnels, cables. But the real infrastructure, the invisible one that powers progress, is human. It’s the network of relationships, trust, and shared purpose between people. That’s where the art of conversation comes in. We’re not just building things, we’re building belief. Whether it’s aContinue reading “Start with listening: the art of conversation and the engine behind infrastructure projects success”
Navigating route planning for airport infrastructure: achieving faster planning consent through effective public consultation
Airport infrastructure development is crucial for accommodating increasing passenger numbers, advancing technological capabilities, and ensuring safety and efficiency. However, planning routes for such infrastructure often faces hurdles, particularly in obtaining planning consent. One effective strategy to streamline this process is through robust public consultation. By engaging with the community and stakeholders, airports can foster trust,Continue reading “Navigating route planning for airport infrastructure: achieving faster planning consent through effective public consultation”
Enhancing airport infrastructure: the power of targeted and effective communication
As global air travel continues to surge, the necessity for modern, efficient, and expanded airport infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. However, convincing stakeholders and communities of the importance of upgrading existing airport facilities can be challenging. Effective, targeted, and tailored communication plays a pivotal role in bridging this gap, ensuring that all parties understand and supportContinue reading “Enhancing airport infrastructure: the power of targeted and effective communication”
Securing political support for active travel and mastering stakeholder engagement to navigate bureaucracy
In the next instalment of my series on active travel, I shift my focus towards securing political support. As decision-makers look to foster more sustainable travel habits, involving communities in the planning process, this article explores how mastering engagement and successfully navigating bureaucracy can lead to effective behaviour change and significantly benefit regional communities. AsContinue reading “Securing political support for active travel and mastering stakeholder engagement to navigate bureaucracy”
Understanding the nuances: consultation vs. engagement
In various fields, be it business, governance, or community initiatives, the terms ‘consultation’ and ‘engagement’ are frequently used interchangeably. However, understanding the nuances between these two concepts is crucial for effective decision-making, collaboration, and fostering meaningful relationships. While both consultation and engagement involve interaction and communication, they differ significantly in their objectives, processes, and levelsContinue reading “Understanding the nuances: consultation vs. engagement”
Building bridges: steps to improve stakeholder relationships
Effective stakeholder relationships are the cornerstone of successful projects, initiatives, and organisations. Whether in business, government, or the nonprofit sector, cultivating positive and mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders is essential for achieving shared goals, fostering trust, and driving sustainable outcomes. However, building and maintaining these relationships requires intentional effort, clear communication, and a commitment toContinue reading “Building bridges: steps to improve stakeholder relationships”
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