Two Keys to Being a Great Local Government Public Official

Becoming a great local public official actually only requires two simple things:

1) Experience - Understanding your role in local government and knowing your constituents

2) Value - Offering the majority of your constituents something they can relate to.

Verbal Communication – Is It Important or Not?

Recently I was told this legend and I have absolutely no idea whether or not it is true.   However, the lesson content in this legend is so good that I just have to share it.  I believe every local public official needs to understand this issue.

The legend goes that there was an interesting exchange between two great geniuses. One genius was Charlie Chaplin, the great silent film star; the other genius was Albert Einstein, the world renowned physicist.

According to this legend, Einstein approached Mr. Chaplin and said, "Charlie, what I admire most about you is the fact that you don't say a word in any of the films you make yet the entire world understands everything you are trying to convey."

The legend goes on to say that Mr. Chaplin replied, “Yes Albert that is true; however, what I admire most about you is even greater. Everyone, including all the greatest minds in the world, respect you and what you speak yet no one understands a word of what you say or proclaim!"