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When any group works together, effectiveness is increased when the group works as a team. While any individual may have unique strength and weakness, teamwork can enhance strengths and cover weaknesses. When a team is dysfunctional, weaknesses are emphasized and progress is minimal. When a team is solid, the whole is stronger than the sum of the parts.
The most important element of team success is the acceptance of common goals. If all efforts move towards universal objectives, they are usually reached. When efforts go in different directions, success is more difficult. When efforts are intended for personal preferences and individual gain, then members of the team work against each other and failure is more likely.
With large and complex projects, there are many details and issues. Extreme planning and effort is often required, and the participation of numerous people is required. While there may be debate about specific solutions to particular issues, progress can continually be made by focusing on high-level objectives. Once global goals have been established, it becomes simple to deduce if smaller projects are leading towards the goals or not.
To introduce the objectives of the new city council, we will kickoff with the 'People Feel Good' campaign. The initials PFG also stand for Prosperity, Foundation, and Growth. These three objectives will be paramount in determining the efforts of the city over the next four years.
Increase Prosperity
The prime goal of city council will be to aim towards a city where everyone is prosperous. This does not mean that everyone would be provided with material wealth, but instead operates on the belief that each individual deserves the opportunity to lead an active, healthy and contributive lifestyle. Of course it is also up to each individual to move towards prosperity. To assist in this shift, the city requires a network of support, counseling and education. We also require affordable housing, affordable daycare, affordable transit, and coordinated case management to ensure that every person has available a path to success. The intent of council would be to remove barriers to prosperity, and initiate programs that stimulate prosperity. By identifying policies and practices that do not fit the vision, alterations can be made.
Stabilize the Foundation
The next key task of city council is to stabilize the foundation and operations of the city. We desire a healthy functional city, and would identify all elements that do not meet these parameters. For example, the underground infrastructure of the city forms the base of our foundation. More than half of the sewage pipes are more than fifty years old, and upgrades must take place. In addition, environmental issues must be identified and dealt with directly. We want a clean city with clean air and clean water. Financial stability within city budgets is essential for a strong foundation, and each department and function requires stabilization. All city operational activities need to be analyzed and enhanced.
Initiate Growth
There are many elements we desire for our future city, and it is up to this council to alter the path of Toronto. We begin by setting vision requirements at a high level. What elements of the city require growth and construction? What areas of the city require the most help? Where will we receive the greatest advantage through expenditure while remaining within budgets? Once high-level targets are established, analysis is undertaken to determine current status and potential alternatives. When determining choices, all projects must add to the creation of an integrated vision. Using standard project management techniques, each initiative would undergo analysis, planning, action and follow-up. Each project would have expected outcomes, and each outcome would guide us towards the city we desire.
Of course, these high level goals are quite simplistic, and do not address the plethora of details required to reach the objectives, nor do they address the multitude of issues that must be overcome. However, that is the point. As long as a group agrees on the desired end result, all efforts can then move towards the fulfillment of goals.
© Copyright 2006 Glenn Stewart Coles
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