Leadership, Strategic Blueprints, Views on News, public relations • March 21st, 2008

The SEWRPC squabble

by Chris Lato

The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) has picked a new executive director.

So what, you say? Plenty of area politicos have been wringing their hands, and not without good reason, over the way the taxpayer-financed public planning group handles the selection process for the six-figure job. In addition, blogger James Rowen thoroughly dismantles the group here.

Sounds like a group in need of an image makeover, no?

The selection process used by SEWRPC is fair game for criticism, as it smacks of back-room cronyism. How about a more open process, with the participation of local politicians, the public, even (gasp!) your critics? If the decision you are making is sound, then it can withstand some heat, and openness goes a long way toward erasing the feeling that something fishy is going on.

Be prepared for the negative questions. Have someone play the devil’s advocate and ask you the tough questions, taking the time to think through your justification for the process you use. Know your critics – take the time to understand what they say and where they are coming from. That helps prevent surprises and prepares you for the worst that can be thrown at you.

The group’s function and purpose are different matters (critics like Rowen clearly have their issues with SEWRPC’s role). I could lay out a detailed plan to help SEWRPC turn things around, but then someone would have to pay me.

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