Sustaining Progress

1
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

2
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

3
Mathematical Formulation

• Progress (A x V x P x R x B)

4
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

5
Resources as Capitals

• Human Capital
• Financial Capital
• Natural and Environmental Capital
• Social Capital
• Political Capital
• Engineered Capital

6
Important Lessons

• Positive attitudes lead to a can do approach to
  change
• Negative attitudes lead to no action or damaging
  decisions

7
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

8
More Lessons

• A well thought out plan guides actions
• The lack of a plan results in a false start

9
More Lessons

• Acquiring and controlling needed resources moves
  the plan forward
• Lack of resources frustrates the planning team

10
Final lesson

• Positive outcomes encourage more proactive
  planning
• Disappointing outcomes discourages repeating the
  process

11
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

12
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.