Rethinking Stakeholder Engagement: The Public Input Session Is Dead

The traditional public input session is dead.  There, I said it. Simply showing up, handing out forms, presenting the concept, and hoping people will share their thoughts isn’t enough anymore.

From my experience, the most effective engagement focuses on strengths, possibilities, and collaboration. During my time in economic development, I saw how powerful it can be when conversations center on what’s working well, what people aspire to, and where opportunities for growth lie.  

When you ask the right questions, such as ‘What’s already going well?’ ‘Where could we grow together?’ ‘How will we know we’ve succeeded?’ - you don’t just gather traditional feedback, you inspire, ignite action, and create shared ownership in outcomes.

Stakeholder engagement shouldn’t just be a check box in your process, it’s about meaningful conversations that uncover potential, build relationships, and turn input into results.  There is a different way to engage your audience - and an invitation to a conversation built on possibility is the way to do it.