How should we talk about change?
A better world isn't just possible, it's desirable. And that's how we should frame a lot of our conversations around making a greater Auckland.
As an example take urban climate action. A climate friendly Auckland:
Is free from congestion
Enables people to travel how they choose
Is filled with green spaces
Has clean air
Allows people to live near amenities, work, and their community.
I feel oftentimes, it's easy to get mentally bogged down with worry about climate change, poor city planning, or the myriad of other things that are not working in Auckland, New Zealand, or the wider world.
It's entirely understandable. This anxiety and despair can shape our thoughts and conversations, compelling us to shout about the dangers of not reducing emissions, or the significant impact poor urban design and connection has on peoples lives. These are all important to acknowledge and talk about given the often devastating impact these issues cause - but it cannot be the only thing.
We need to balance what is wrong with an optimistic vision of what could be.
For our day to day conversations, focusing on what we need to sacrifice, or stop doing, or the dangers of inaction, doesn't bring people on board. It leads many people to withdraw or shut down when it comes to discussions on change.
However, if we lead with what we know is true, that these solutions and changes create a better life for people? That's how you excite someone.
The Workshop has done a lot of work around this, and their cheat sheet for how to talk about Climate Change provides a great rundown. Their advice in essence is to lead with the outcomes, with a focus on actionable, systemic and visionary change. It's also important to understand that not everyone is amenable, and just because a message doesn't work with those fixed in opposition, doesn't mean it's not effective for those in the middle.
Once someone is interested, it's also vital to show them they are not alone in wanting a better city - so find your friends!
If I think about the vision Greater Auckland is working towards - a city that's a better place to live in, to move around, and to connect with others - there's plenty to look forward to.
Maybe for you it's the freedom kids gain through safe and connected cycling and walking infrastructure.
Or how amazing parks and beautiful artwork make our cities attractive and desirable.
Or how a congestion free network makes Auckland (you guessed it) congestion free.
So when I, and I hope many of you, talk to your circles, lets place at the forefront of our conversations and thinking the fact that better planning, climate action, densification, make our lives better. Once we all see the broader vision of a better world? Then it's suddenly a lot easier to work through the messy details.
It becomes not a question of why would we change - but how can I help?
And, at least for me, I've found it also makes me more optimistic by keeping at the forefront how amazing the world could be. This way the energy of worry or frustration is instead channeled into positivity and effective communication.
So the next time you have a conversation about the change you want to see in Auckland?
Lead with the good stuff.