This month, I am facilitating public meetings around the state to gather information about Georgia’s library service to people with disabilities. It reminds me that planning must not be done in a vacuum, but needs to involve those who care about, pay for, use, or in some way benefit from our services.
Good strategic plans are a result of dialogue with stakeholders. You may very well be able to sit down in your office and develop a bang-up plan for service. But is it relevant to your community?
How do we find out what our customers want and need? How do we know we are contributing to the needs identified by community leaders? We ask them! (And, of course, we listen…)
We would do well to consider any bit of feedback from our clients a great gift. Even if it comes in not-so-lovely package, there is almost always some kernel of truth if we examine it carefully. What is your experience?
Spiraling 