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What is Managing by Network?

Discover the four trends driving innovation in public agency operations. Hear the story of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a model of 21st century public land management. Learn more about the professional skill set required to support a network of partnerships. Video Narrative Corrections: There is a statement in What is Managing by Network? that […]

Critical Elements of the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program

For the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program is defined by four critical elements: community-focused, intentional, inclusive, and collaborative. They are the foundation of our Standards of Excellence for building long-term, meaningful relationships with urban communities. Each element is essential and interrelated. We measure every action against these elements so that […]

Seeds for Change: Facilitation Tools for Meetings and Workshops

Seeds for Change has a a collection of tools that may be useful for participatory meetings and workshops. When choosing tools you might want to think about: Variety: Using a variety of techniques will help a much wider range of people engage fully in your workshop or meeting. We all vary in things like how we […]

A Facilitator’s Best Practices

 Facilitation has been called “a state of mind and a set of skills.” When you step into the role of facilitator, your primary focus shifts from the “what” to the “how” as you take on some new responsibilities. Discussion Questions: What are some benefits of having a facilitator in the room? How does the […]

Ladder of Inference

Discussion Questions: Think of a time recently when you ran up the ladder of inference. What data did you select to focus on? What assumptions, conclusions, beliefs and actions did that lead you to?  What are the benefits of “walking slowly back down the ladder”? What actions will help you to do this?      […]

The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership

The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership: Defense, agriculture, and conservation communities working together to achieve landscape conservation and resilience goals The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that work with willing landowners and land managers to advance sustainable land use practices around military installations and ranges. Founded […]

Interests vs. Positions: The Story of the Orange

Interests versus Positions: The Story of the Orange Is compromise a win-win for both parties?  Explore the difference between Interest and Positions. Ask “why” and not “what” a person or organization wants or needs to move forward.   Discussion Questions: Have you experienced the Story of the Orange: a situation where a compromise did not […]

Partnership Network Life Cycle

Partnerships evolve and mature like the life cycle of a butterfly. Examine the Vision and Concept Stages of the partnership caterpillar. Create a firm foundation during the Research and Development and Implementation Planning Stages of the partnership chrysalis. Take flight with the Action and Evaluation and Recognition Stages of the partnership butterfly. Discussion Questions: What stage […]

Political Savvy

Professionals build and foster networks to gather information and insights beyond their own thinking or that of their organization. They take the temperature of a community and share their understanding with decision-makers. Working internally or externally, the practice of this networking skill is referred to as political savvy. Explore the characteristics of a politically savvy professional. Review […]

Formal Agreements

Learn where to find the authority for your Agency to do work proposed by a partnership. Citing the Agency’s authority is one element of all partnership agreements. Consider your Agency’s process and practice for developing a partnership agreement and identify who should be on your agreement team. Consider the process, practice and advisors of the […]

Leveraging Partnerships

Leveraging Partnerships is about building and supporting teamwork. Explore the defining characteristics of a well functioning team. Discover how the night sky illuminates these seven characteristics: purpose, participation, commitment, a results focus, candor, recognition and trust. Discussion Questions: Compare the seven characteristics of teamwork to your recent partnership communications. Which characteristics are moving the partnership […]