Public involvement is the way we make communication an integral part of decision making. Talk to everyone early, often, and honestly. Continually communicating with all participants and others can help ensure you are addressing the right problem and that related problems are identified and addressed . Any statements you make can and will be used against your agency. When all participants listen to everyone else and clearly share their points of view, problems and potential misunderstandings or trip wires are identified early.
Communicating also provides a foundation for dealing with problems, conflicts , decisionmaking .
All participants must communicate. The biologist who consults under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , for example, has as much a part in fostering communication as the team leader. However, you may choose to designate a team member to coordinate and facilitate communication with groups outside of the team. Don't hesitate to consult with public affairs, public involvement, conflict management, or social analysis specialists. Shaping the Presentation Recognize that people can comment on something more easily than they can create.