Sunday, January 15, 2006
Some people don't like to hear this message, but good economic development is inherently disruptive. You are encouraging people to think and act in different ways. You are creating new networks and breaking bad habits of thought and action.
So, I was interested when a consultant in Kansas told his audience to "upset the apple cart". Read more.
Many people hear this message and become wary, concerned that -- by these terms -- good economic development is divisive, contentious, controversial.
Not really.
The simplest way that economic development work can be made engaging and fun is to make the interactions among people pleasant.
The most interesting work in the world will not be fun if the interpersonal atmosphere is poisonous.
The challenge of civic engagement involves both engaging the right people and helping them enjoy each other. At the same time, leadership needs to focus relentlessly on getting important stuff done.
posted by Ed Morrison |
links
Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber:
Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Upsetting the apple cart
