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 […]

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?      […]

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 […]

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 […]

Collaborative Practices in Strategic Planning

Is collaboration working? Is collaboration doing what we want it to do? Multiple use, multiple stakeholders, multiple needs and multiple interests requires working with other public agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits, businesses and the public. Today, land management necessitates collaboration in our everyday work. Collaboration supports a systems approach rather than a singular approach to managing […]

Collaboration Toolbox

An essential step in collaboration planning is to identify the stakeholders who can impact or be impacted by the decisions, goals, objectives and strategies of a collaborative project. Determine if the framework, presented here, will help you and your colleagues navigate stakeholder interest. Consider how to match your understanding of stakeholders with communication strategies from the […]

Fundraising Agreements, Policies and Practices

Fundraising agreements are specific to each federal agency. A closer look at the practices of the National Park Service provides insight on the Authorities, Policies and Practices of BLM, USFWS and USFS. Learn more about how the NPS agreements differ as it relates to the fundraising goal as well as the nature of the relationship […]

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 […]

What is a Peer-Learning Network?

When you find yourself in deep and unfamiliar waters, who are you going to call? Explore how peer learning networks can be a valuable resource for constructing new knowledge and practices. Discussion Questions: Who in your peer learning network challenges your assumptions, thinks as an entrepreneur or can weave different interests into a clear vision? […]

America’s Great Outdoors Initiative

Listen to these videos as a podcast. On April 16, 2010, President Obama launched the America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) Initiative and charged the Secretaries of the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality to develop a 21st-century conservation […]

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 […]

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 […]