by Sandy Scholl
Community development specialist based at Creston
Iowa State University Extension to Communities
Most of us complain that we don't have enough time in our lives to do all the things we want to be, and should be, doing. Our busy lives pull us in many directions with no hope of a slowdown. More and more activities, more opportunities for the kids, increasing job demands and community service all clamor for our time. Some people buy personal planners and read time management books or magazine articles and still don't have a feeling of control of their lives.
Communities struggle with the same issues. Scarce resources must be allocated to many competing demands: Should we build a community center? Do we upgrade or do major maintenance on at he water or sewage treatment plant this year or defer it? How many streets need to be resurfaced? How do we encourage housing development for those who want to come to town, and on and on? Finding resources to encourage community development is often difficult given that there are so many needs. Additionally, how do we decide where to spend those scarce development dollars? What kinds of development do we wish to encourage?
In his book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen Covey outlines a number of important principles for helping us to become more effective in our daily lives. The same principles apply to effective communities as well. In this article, I'll only deal with the first three of Covey' s seven habits. I refer you to the book to learn about the others.
Covey tells us that we need to start with a new focus and ask ourselves: What are the things we want to accomplish? He asks us to imagine a group of workers cutting their way through the jungle with machetes. These producers are cutting through the undergrowth. The managers are behind them, sharpening the machetes, writing procedures, bringing in improved technology, setting up work schedules and compensation programs. The leader is the one who climbs to the top of the tallest tree, surveys the entire situation and decides, "Wrong jungle !"
Covey believes that individuals, groups and businesses are so busy cutting through the undergrowth that they do not realize that they're often in the wrong jungle. Effectiveness does not depend on the effort we expend, but on whether or not our energy is expended cutting through the right jungle. The same ideas are important for the future of our communities. We get so busy with the urgent everyday things that we do not find time to look to the bigger, long range picture of where the community is headed. Covey says that we need to decide upon, and periodically reevaluate:
* our destination (vision) and
* our compass (principles).
At the personal level, this means developing a personal mission statement, philosophy or creed--or in Covey's words "beginning with the end in mind." This will help us focus on what we want to be (character) and do (contributions and achievements) and on the values or principles upon which being and doing are based. Doing this forces us to think through our priorities and match our behavior with our beliefs. Once we have a solid understanding of what is important to us, we can begin to prioritize and choose where to spend our time, as Covey says "put first things first." What better time to undertake the creation of a personal vision statement that at the beginning of a new year?
Communities should develop a detailed description of their destination as well. The destination is called the community vision statement. The community could be wasting much time, effort and resources doing the wrong things unless citizens first define where they want to go. With a vision in mind, communities can ask about each investment or activity: Does this get us closer to our destination?
One way to help ensure wide community commitment to the vision is to involve as many people, representing as many community interests and groups as possible. Input from broad, diverse community voices will improve the quality of the final product. Further, it's common sense that people who have had a part in creating a vision will be more likely to support and work toward its realization.
Your Iowa State University Extension community development field specialist is very willing to help communities develop vision statements and strategic plans. Contact your local county extension office for more information.
Contacts:
Terry L. Besser, ISU
Extension Sociology, (515) 294-6508
Del Marks, ISU Extension
Communication Systems, (515) 294-9807
