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Facilitator and Consensus-Builder

The ability of an economic development professional to function effectively
within the organization depends to a great degree on how well the
professional’s style of leadership can be merged with the expectations of

existing leaders of that organization as well as those of the larger
community. Ideally, the expectations of both parties should be compatible,
if not identical.

The economic developer will more closely meet the expectations of local
leadership if he or she serves more as a facilitator and coordinator than as a

“boss.” The facilitator must listen carefully to the desires of the local
leaders, probing relentlessly, but gently, to discover their hopes and
agendas. With a clear understanding of the motivation of the leaders, the
economic developer must cautiously pull these divergent “visions” in line
with mutually agreed upon realistic possibilities. Success in economic

development for the community is the marriage of varying expectations to
economic and societal reality.

Ultimately, local leadership should perceive that the economic developer is
helping them achieve their expectations, even if that means that the
professional assists them in formulating more attainable goals. This
perception will encourage the leaders to accept the recommendations and

suggestions of the professional, which will result in a more favorable
environment for developing a consensus about the direction of the
development program.

Once general agreement is reached as to the nature and direction of the

program, the economic developer should become a catalyst for action,
moving to the implementation stage. A clear statement of organizational
goals and outcomes facilitates the designing and carrying out of those
strategies that will accomplish them. During the implementation of various
planned activities it becomes clear as to whether or not the program has
been well designed, or the organization’s resources are adequate, or the

expectations are appropriate. Leaders are now in a position to evaluate
and to hold the economic developer accountable for the results, or lack of

David Kolzow 305