Six essentials for effective engagement

What does it take to engage public agencies, business, non profits and others in collaborative processes that go beyond 'tick the box' consultation? I recently had to write a quick commentary on this, and came up with six:
1 Transparency: those involved can understand what's going on.
2 A clear stance: how we'll treat your ideas and commitment, from listening to supporting.
3 Accessibility: information, communication, collaborations in terms that work for all.
4 A clear route to action: you can see that something will happen.
4 Appropriate methods: probably a mix of face-to-face, print, online media with appropriate facilitation
6 Equity: the design of the process - including the points above - should not disadvantage groups invited to engage.
My commentary was about a regional plan-making process, but I think the points are general. Any more ideas?
I wrote a Guide to Effective Participation 10 years ago for those planning and managing processes. Maybe it's time to do something from the participant's point of view. Hmmm.... could I live up to my own checklists?
Full text of the Guide
Other blog posts on engagement

Comments

[Chris Corrigan]

Thanks for this David. It triggered a long thought from me at http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/2004_03_01_archive.html#107907301102210887