Ask Questions Well and You May Even Receive Worthwhile Answers
by Elaine Cogan
If you know how to ask questions well, you might even receive worthwhile answers!
From PCJ #22, Spring 1996
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Most planning commissioners are inundated with reports, memoranda, and other forms of written information. For many of us, reading through piles of documents is not the most effective
way to gain and retain information. We learn best by talking to
people and exchanging ideas -- among commissioners, between
commissioners and staff, and with the public.
However, our ability to benefit from verbal interchange can be
impaired severely if we do not listen with an open and receptive
attitude.
Do you automatically assume that faulty actions equal
disreputable motives? Before you hear all sides, do you
automatically assume that the developer is motivated only by
greed when cutting down an ancient tree? That the merchant
knowingly disobeys the city's sign ordinance when erecting a
sign two inches above the limit? A "guilty before proven"
attitude can put you at a disadvantage.
...
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