Transcript Sustaining Progress A model that identifies key variables and explains why organized efforts succeed and fail David L.

Sustaining Progress
A model that identifies key variables
and explains why organized efforts
succeed and fail
David L. Darling, Ph.D.
K – State Research and Extension
Generalized Formulation
• Progress = f(A, V, P, R, B)
– Where: A stands for a set of attitudes, values, and
principles
• V stands for a vision that is worth pursuing
• P stands for a strategic plan designed to bring about
the vision
• R stands for a set of resources needed to implement
the plan
• B stands for a set of outcomes that benefit the
stakeholders
Mathematical Formulation
• Progress = (A x V x P x R x B)
Characteristics of a
Compelling Vision
• Built and agreed upon by stakeholders
• Gives direction and focus to the plan
• Challenges all involved
• Motivates and unites people
• Helps identify key issues
Resources as Capitals
• Human Capital
• Financial Capital
• Natural and Environmental Capital
• Social Capital
• Political Capital
• Engineered Capital
Important Lessons
• Positive attitudes lead to a can do
approach to change
• Negative attitudes lead to no action or
damaging decisions
More Lessons
• The creation of a compelling vision
focuses a team on a chosen path
• A lack of vision leads to aimless activity
and confusion
More Lessons
• A well thought out plan guides actions
• The lack of a plan results in a false start
More Lessons
• Acquiring and controlling needed
resources moves the plan forward
• Lack of resources frustrates the planning
team
Final lesson
• Positive outcomes encourage more
proactive planning
• Disappointing outcomes discourages
repeating the process
The Role of Leadership in the
Model
• Modeling attitudes
• Championing compelling visions
• Building and implementing a plan
• Finding resources
• Securing resources
• Creating win - win outcomes
Community Economic
Development
• Defined as a vision charged civic process
that community groups choose to initiate
to proactively address and resolve issues
that affect the short, medium, and long
term economic health and vitality. The
process leverages local capital with
resources from outside the community.