Where are the fires of incivility burning?

By Matt Lehrman

Social Prosperity Partners

Stress from incivility has been rising in many communities, but the causes and the intensity of conflict can vary. To help fill out this picture, two weeks ago I asked subscribers to share their experience in a personal email or by taking a one-question Civility Stress Survey online to “point where it hurts” in your community.

The results of that survey (below) suggest the highest levels of stress are being felt amongst the general public, as well as in strained relations between residents and their representatives on the city or town council.

Since such clashes are often newsworthy events, I’m not at all surprised to see that number. Yet the highest tension levels are being felt by the public at large, which only underscores the importance of transparent, inclusive leadership at the council level. Elected officials must recognize that their responsibility is not just to be “deciders,” but to advocate for public engagement and facilitate civil discourse in their communities. 

It is somewhat heartening to observe that the tension between the council members and their staff scored rather low, suggesting most communities benefit from a strong working relationship there.

Of course, there are exceptions to every trend, and I also received stories of serious dysfunction between elected officials and professional managers. That’s an unfortunate situation I’ll be sure to return to in a future newsletter.

What’s the situation in your community? Send me a note and tell me more about it