Unflappable

Governor Deval Patrick came to downtown Holyoke last week for a town-hall style meeting. About 200 people attended. It was a beautiful summer night along the canal and once again, we were reminded of Heritage State Park's special beauty.  Heritage State Park is the former site of the Skinner Silk Mill.  It is now home to the Children's Museum, the US Volleyball Hall of Fame, the Merry-go-round, the Park Visitor Center, as well as the first unofficial section of the Canalwalk.

The Governor brought many of his cabinet members to the meeting, including his Secretaries of Health and Human Services, and Workforce Development (both are women!)  He was briefly introduced by our State Representative and our Mayor (it was SO NICE not to have to sit through a million introductions and political hangers-on!)

I was, once again, completely impressed with Governor Patrick. For most of the meeting, he took unscripted questions from audience members.  With each questioner, he had the presence of mind to greet them by name, look them in the eye, and thank them for their question. He was never personally offended by tough questions, never less than completely gracious and was always welcoming of people's comments.  In a word: unflappable. He stayed (mostly) on topic and didn't brag ad nauseam about his administration's accomplishments.

People have different personal styles, and often their interactions with elected officials reflect their intrinsic personality.   I've seen constituents yell at a Member of Congress, and I've seen them cry.  I've seen constituents remain highly defensive and closed-mouthed, and I've seen  some reveal WAY too much.

Regardless of your personal style, I ALWAYS advise my clients to act.....well, pretty much like Governor Patrick did at this meeting.  I advise this because 95% of the time, it is the most politically effective modus operandi.  Don't believe me?  Ask a Congressional Staffer.

THE ART OF POLITICS MODUS OPERANDI, PART THE FIRST

1. If you don't know the answer to a question, SAY YOU DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER and OFFER TO FOLLOW-UP WITH STAFF AFTER THE MEETING.  Most elected officials have a HIGHLY sensitive bullshit detector.  If you set off their bullshit detector, you aren't doing your organization any favors.

2. If you know the answer to a question, answer the question simply and directly.  Do not go on ad nauseam.

3. Do your homework.  If you want to talk about playgrounds in your community, know absolutely everything about playgrounds in your community, or find someone who does and bring them to the meeting.  Your goal is to be considered an expert on your topic because attaining this goal makes you a GO TO organization every time your issue comes up.  Being 'go to' is good.

More to come!  I'd love to hear your thoughts or stories about meetings with elected officials.