Articles

There's lots of excitement at the moment when it comes to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all walks of life, so it's only natural for that enthusiasm to spill over into the world of community and stakeholder engagement. While there are definite opportunities when it comes to AI in engagement, there are also some definite risks. These risks are both practical and philosophical, and the implications are felt both in the short and long term. Let's start with the most

The scene is familiar. Thirty to fifty community members have been invited to hear an update on a project. The project officer stands up and delivers a fifteen-minute presentation — its background, how wonderful it is, how wonderful it will be, and how the team has the community’s concerns well in hand. The community sits patiently, anxieties bubbling, trying to absorb twelve months of project context in one sitting. (If you’ve read our piece on cognitive load, you’ll recog

Effective engagement isn't about how much you say - it's about how well they can receive it!

Ready to move from friction to flow? When stakes are high, the goal is not to avoid conflict but to handle it well so decisions stick and trust builds. Aha! Training offers two practical full day courses to equip you to handle the heat and keep projects moving. Navigating Conflict Practical skills for the individual to be resourceful in the face of conflict. Builds skills to: Understand the driver of conflict Identify conflict triggers and strategies to de-escalate Inc

With engagement becoming more integrated within organisations and more expected by the community, there is a real risk of ‘death by consultation’! More engagement is not always better! When people are asked to participate in everything, all the time, it drains organisational resources and community time. This overload reduces participant turnout and in turn weakens confidence in the findings. Then organisations may be unable to see the value of their engagement, so they s

As we approach the end of 2025, we're seeing a fundamental shift. Organisations are recognising that genuine engagement doesn't just tick a box—it unlocks better decisions, stronger community support, and outcomes that actually stick. This year has been extraordinary. We've worked across sectors with organisations that are each doing their bit for community and seeing tangible returns on meaningful engagement. Our 2025 projects spanned: Road design deliberative panels Multipl

Recently, professionals from across the corporate, NFP and government sectors gathered for the Engagement Institute (IAP2)’s intensive "Apply Engagement Methods" course. Not just another training session – this impactful course is a deep dive into the art and science of choosing the right tools to connect meaningfully with stakeholders. Method matters - the right tool for the right moment Faced with a stakeholder engagement project, it’s easy to reach for the familiar: a surv

How do you give the community real input to something as complex and raod design? Welcome to Orrong Connect

While there are multiple ways to engage stakeholders, sometimes we get to do the tried and tested face-to-face engagement and sit around...