Be Responsive

The buck really stops with local governments because—to pile on another old saying—it’s really where the rubber meets the road. Literally. Citizens are only half-joking when they reference potholes with local elected officials. Keeping the streets safe and clean is one of the most basic of municipal functions.

But you know what’s as important as being responsible? Being responsive. Nothing ticks off people more than when they think they’re being ignored. So I tell my clients that it’s not enough to fill the pothole, first you have to acknowledge the pothole and those constituents raising it. Let them know you get it, you’re also a driver, and thanks to whomever raised the issue that darn pothole is getting filled.

That buys you respect and credibility. But you know what else it buys you? Time. We all know you’re probably not going to get city maintenance out there tomorrow. Or even this week. But at least your  constituents know you get it, you care…because you’re one of them. You’ll find that goodwill will fill a lot of proverbial potholes.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/ac6a45_306b3c254c3148b8b46a685e0ebfb24d/720p/mp4/file.mp4