C of C Goals - Part 2
- Details
- Category: BBN News
- Published on Saturday, 04 August 2012 09:26
In C of C Ranks Community Goals, Assigns Responsibility, we published the goals identified by the Chamber of Commerce and Local Governments. We also shared their top ten goals. They are:
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Community unity
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Improve attitude
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Housing development
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More effective prosecution of crime
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Pride in our community—get it back
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Silent majority become the vocal majority
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Trade School
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Community auditorium—jointly owned by multiple entities
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Jail to facilitate McCulloch County and surrounding counties. Keep low cost, be responsible with tax dollars.
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Vision: Where do we want to be in 2-5 years
There are things a group should know before beginning a goal-setting exercise. For strategic goals to be meaningful, they must be limited to goals that are within the control of those setting them. Goals also must be measurable.
Goal Nos. 3, 4, 7, 8, 9. and 10 are measurable and by partnering with others, they may be within their control. They are measurable because progress can be observed, measured, and documented.
In the corporate classes this author attended, Goal Nos. 1, 2, 5 and 6 were called “happy horse____” goals. “HH” goals are nebulous, feel-good goals that are not measurable. Attitudes can be measured through surveys, but surveys are frequently flawed. The bias of its author produces bias in the responses.
Many American and Japanese corporations initiate their planning and goal setting from the bottom-up. Before this can occur, all employees have to be trained and all must be familiar with the corporation’s vision. It is the most successful way to ensure an organization moves forward.
Typically, organizations begin with the preparation of a Vision document, No. 10 on the local group’s top 10. It is unlikely they can work through and achieve their goals without a Vision document. They should move this to the top of the list. Because it is difficult to concentrate an organization’s efforts, work should probably be limited to only 5-6 goals at one time.
Also, no ordinary residents were selected to join this group. Vision documents are generally prepared after input from all areas of a community, i. e. races, faith, socio-economic groups, etc.
About 26% of McCulloch County’s population falls below the poverty line. Who represented them? Who represented residents on Social Security or retirees on a fixed income?
For example, at numerous City Council and Commissioners’ Court meetings, the only time governmental groups heard comments about the negative impact of new taxes and increased utility charges were during very brief periods allowed for Public Comments. Citizen comments were routinely greeted with derision.
Obtaining buy-in from the community first makes goal achievement much easier.
Watch for more.
Reference: Brady Community 2012 Plan - Summary by Priority
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