When we work together with people in communities, we find that artfulness
is also largely about dealing with emotions and conflict. As John Forester is often pointing out, it is critically important to deal with these issues effectively
rather than try to run away from them. Misunderstanding and mismanagement
of emotions in community engagement cause most conflict. They
can also cause processes to become drawn-out and inefficient, resulting in
expenses that might have been avoided. Mismanagement can be the biggest
waste of time, money and energy for both community members and those
who work with them.