Getting Community Input Without Getting Derailed

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

"This looks great. Let me just get the board's input."

Those words strike fear into the heart of every social impact leader. You've poured your heart and soul into a project, only to have it potentially derailed at the last minute.

But what if getting community input didn't have to be so terrifying? What if there was a way to gather feedback that actually improved your work instead of watering it down?

In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, we tackle the thorny issue of community input head-on. We share hard-won lessons from years of mistakes and successes, revealing:

• The #1 thing you must do before asking for any feedback (get this wrong and you're doomed from the start)

• Why timing is everything - and the counterintuitive approach that works best

• How to design your input process for maximum impact (and minimum headaches)

• What to do when you get "bad" feedback that goes against everything you believe

Whether you're working on a rebrand, website overhaul, or major strategic initiative, this episode is a must-listen. We break down exactly how to get the input you need without derailing your vision or watering down your impact.

Don't let fear of feedback hold you back from creating transformative change. Tune in now and learn how to harness the power of community input to take your work to the next level.

Episode Highlights:

• [01:55] Introduction to the challenge of community feedback during large projects
• [02:56] Discussing how different projects require tailored approaches for gathering input
• [03:36] Setting expectations for feedback + clarifying the decision-making processes
• [05:13] Timing of community feedback in different phases of a project
• [09:10] Designing the right framework for gathering input
• [10:21] Understanding when and how to collect actionable feedback
• [12:00] Synthesizing community input into strategic decisions
• [17:09] Importance of well-planned community collaborations
• [19:05] Handling negative community feedback and maintaining decision-making authority
• [20:11] Including community members who see aspects the leader might miss
• [21:38] Managing vocal minorities within a large community
• [23:06] Addressing the emotional responses of vocal groups without changing course
• [24:11] Recognizing negativity bias in decision-making processes

Resources:

• The Right Way to Get Community Input on a Rebrand
• Brand Building: An Authentic Approach to Growing a Fierce, Loyal, and Supportive Community
• Navigating a Rebrand: Nine Common Mistakes to Avoid

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We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at [e-mail]

Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.

Kapitler

1. Effective Community Input Strategies for Projects (00:00:00)

2. Effective Community Input Strategies Reconsidered (00:11:19)

3. Community Input Strategies for Projects (00:15:39)