plainer language in the 'be empowering' section

[annalee]

We had a note from @aaronsnow that some of the language under 'be empowering' could be more accessible. I've tried to retain the points in the original, but with plainer, more direct language.

[jackiekazil]

I am not sure -- "Offer support and enthusiasm for great ideas." is useful... "Enthusiastically engage everyone to contribute idea." or something. The origin is something that is already understood I think. If someone recognizes a great idea, then they are probably already supportive. If they don't recognize the idea as a great idea, then they are probably not supportive. Make sense?

[jackiekazil]

Overall though, I am cool w/ these changes. @ultrasaurus?

[ultrasaurus]

@jackiekazil people often attribute an idea to person who mentioned it most recently. Often a good idea will be repeated more loudly without attribution (by a man or other person in a power role) and then the next person will attribut the idea to that guy. I think attribution is a huge problem.

I will make a pull request with prosed change and see if I can adjust words a little to make this clear.

[annalee]

@ultrasaurus, I'd really prefer to keep this section as concise and straightforward as possible. I agree with you on credit, but I find the language about unleashing potential and creativity unclear, and I'd rather leave it out.

[leahbannon]

Ok.. it helped me to map out what was changing and how:

• Be a multiplier. (cut)
• Consider how your words and actions can unleash creativity and potential in others. (unchanged)
• Notice that silence is powerful. Give space to allow quieter voices the opportunity to emerge. (Changed to: Make room for quieter voices to contribute.)
• Leverage the low cost of experimentation. (Changed to: Leverage the low cost of experimentation to support your colleagues' ideas.)
• Help create the safety net that encourages others to take risks. (Changed to: Offer support and enthusiasm for great ideas, and take care to acknowledge the original source, not just the most recent or loudest contributor.)
• Say "Yes, and…" to challenge yourself to accept something unexpected from a colleague and take it further in a positive direction. (changed to: When someone offers something unexpected, challenge yourself to find ways you can contribute and collaborate.)
• Share your knowledge and your skills. (unchanged)
• Prioritize access for and input from those who are traditionally excluded from the civic process. (unchanged)

Based on this, I'm a :+1: - thanks for working on this @annalee

[annalee]

Hi @leahbannon, it looks like we cross-posted. Up to date change map below:

• Be a multiplier. (cut)
• Consider how your words and actions can unleash creativity and potential in others. (Changed to: Consider what you can do to encourage and support others.)
• Notice that silence is powerful. (cut.)
• Give space to allow quieter voices the opportunity to emerge. (Changed to: Make room for quieter voices to contribute.)
• Leverage the low cost of experimentation. (Changed to: Leverage the low cost of experimentation to support your colleagues' ideas.)
• Help create the safety net that encourages others to take risks. (Changed to: Offer support and enthusiasm for great ideas, and take care to acknowledge the original source, not just the most recent or loudest contributor.)
• Say "Yes, and…" to challenge yourself to accept something unexpected from a colleague and take it further in a positive direction. (changed to: When someone offers something unexpected, look for ways you can contribute and collaborate.)
• Share your knowledge and your skills. (unchanged)
• Prioritize access for and input from those who are traditionally excluded from the civic process. (unchanged)

[ultrasaurus]

I'm fine with it as is.

I just want to explain what I was trying to get at with "unleash creativity and potential in others"...

Often there is opportunity to create a space for someone else to shine. "Offer encouragement and support" implies that they are already doing the thing. What if they are not speaking up? Saying things that you think might be encouraging like "I really think it would be great if you would speak up more in meetings" can actually be frustrating if there are reasons that make it hard to speak up. Sometimes encourgement and support by the priviledge can feel like you are being talked down to. There are other options, like game-storming exercise or asking that everyone to take turns presenting or proactively highlighting something someone else is doing (which is supporting them, rather than offering support). There are many actions do not fall into "encouragement and support" that will help other people participate more and bring their own creativity to solving the problems at hand.

[jackiekazil]

I am good with this. (I am just chiming in to make sure that folks weren't waiting on me.)