tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528772695426793441.post2044396470935865497..comments2023-10-23T08:08:48.631-06:00Comments on what a cup of tea: Transparency and LeadershipLELANDA LEEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007493781222383380noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528772695426793441.post-58712435888762432832010-07-22T15:51:19.928-06:002010-07-22T15:51:19.928-06:00Deborah, as an elected leader and speaking from ex...Deborah, as an elected leader and speaking from experience as a former customer service manager of a bank, my take on complaints is that they often point to deeper issues that lie below the surface of the articulated complaint. My inclination is to dig deeper and try to respond to the real issue(s). I'm also inclined not to blame the complainer as being off-base until I've had a chance to explore further. I agree with you that most constituents don't want to know the nitty-gritty details of events and issues, unless they suspect they've been bamboozled.<br /><br />In regard to government officials and the subject of transparency, I'm of the camp that is willing to overlook minor acts of self-interest if most things are moving along okay. However, when the disregard for citizens and taxpayers is rampant and blatant, that's another story entirely. Thus, I am a big supporter of activist organizations, the alternative press and investigative reporters, while at the same time also recognizing that even do-gooders can become self-absorbed with self-interest.<br /><br />Would't it be wonderful if people just followed the Golden Rule?<br /><br />LelandaLELANDA LEEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00007493781222383380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528772695426793441.post-86300971829464781102010-07-22T11:21:46.105-06:002010-07-22T11:21:46.105-06:00What a provocative blog! As an elected leader of a...What a provocative blog! As an elected leader of a group, I am dismayed when a member publicly berates us for not being transparent. Everything in me cries, "Do you want to know every little piece of information we consider? Isn't it enough to let you know of the options in our final consideration and to solicit your opinion on those options?" I suspect that most of our members don't want to know the minor things.<br />On the other hand, I am not sure if our desire for "transparency" from government officials comes from a desire to understand their thought process or from a suspicion that transparency would expose corruption and a total disregard for us in government decisions. My initial reaction is that Congress is pretty transparent that their laws are designed to benefit their big donors, not their constituents. De we need more transparency to expose that? That is part of what makes your blog so provocative.Deborah Sampsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03411442986892672163noreply@blogger.com