Results That Matter
Improving Communities by Engaging Citizens, Measuring Performance, and Getting Things Done
This new book by Paul Epstein (of Epstein and Fass), Paul Coates, & Lyle Wray, with David Swain, was published by Jossey-Bass in November 2005.
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Results that Matter is filled with real-life examples, from 25 communities across the country, which demonstrate the benefits and practicality of the model and related practices. The authors provide down-to-earth guidance including self-improvement practices of effective communities, and new roles for citizens, community leaders, and managers.
Visit resultsthatmatter.net for more information on the Effective Community Governance Model, related ideas, and brief versions of case studies of the model in action in communities and organizations. The model and more case studies are presented in greater depth in the book. Go to amazon.com or josseybass.com to purchase the book.
What Leaders are Saying about Results That Matter
"Results That Matter provides concrete teaching tools for nonprofit developers, local governments, residents, or anyone else working to build strong and healthy communities. The authors demonstrate that results-based governance and citizen engagement not only enrich community improvement efforts, they are necessary ingredients for success."
•Michael Rubinger, president and CEO, Local Initiatives Support Corporation
"Results That Matter adds real substance to the discussion of how government can deliver the results citizens want at a price they are willing to pay. For citizen activists, public sector leaders, and managers alike, it provides valuable lessons and examples they can use as they continue to push the envelope of results-based governance."
•David Osborne, co-author, The Price of Government and Reinventing Government and senior partner at the Public Strategies Group
"Too many politicians think that being a leader means being a power-broker. Results That Matter clearly demonstrates that leadership means letting the people lead."
•Mayor William Johnson, Rochester, New York
"Citizen involvement and performance measurement are both critical ingredients to developing an effective, efficient and equitable local government. Results That Matter helps us understand that these two aspects of local governance go hand in hand, and when combined can become a powerful force for community change. This book will be a useful tool for elected officials, professional managers, and any community leader who is interested in finding ways to move their city to the cutting edge of change."
•Christopher T. Gates, president, National Civic League
"Results That Matter is a must-read for any community leader, especially those outside of government, who want to create a community culture of high expectation for success. The book provides an engaging depth of information while staying in the comfort zone of those of who aren't experts in performance measurement."
•Michael Meotti, president and CEO, United Way of Connecticut
"The authors effectively show how two compelling and potentially conflicting forces — modern managerial techniques and citizen engagement — can be combined to produce livable communities where things get done and people invest in the future and care about the present. As a local government educator and former mayor, I see in this book a rare combination of practical case examples and intellectual guidance that should appeal to citizens, public officials, and students concerned about community building."
•John Nalbandian, chair and professor, Department of Public Administration, University of Kansas
"Read Results That Matter. Learn how citizens, governments, and nonprofit organizations can work together and improve their communities."
•Joe Wholey, University of Southern California
"Achieving good governance in public purpose organizations is an uphill battle. Citizens are cynical. Voter turnouts are declining. Trust in institutions is plummeting.
Is there a solution? The authors of this intriguing new book think so. Drawing upon extensive case studies, they explore such questions as, what is a citizen? How can we make community governance more focused on results? Why does citizen engagement matter? How to move from concepts to 'getting it done' - to practical impacts?
The book argues persuasively that achieving 'results that matter' has to start with citizen involvement. Too often, goals 'are determined by the managers of government and other service organizations, with no assurance that they reflect the priority concerns of community citizens.' Citizen-defined goals provide a basis for accountability that is meaningful.
Well-researched and richly footnoted, this book outlines a 'model' of community governance adaptable to different situations. It explores many practical topics, such as how to make use of balanced scorecards in a public sector setting, or when and how to use technology to assist in citizen consultation. Very valuable reading for political leaders, staff and any others concerned with the performance of public organizations, with the health of our communities and the state of democracy today."
•Tim Plumtre, president, Institute On Governance
Visit resultsthatmatter.net for more information on the Effective Community Governance Model, related ideas, and brief versions of case studies of the model in action in communities and organizations. The model and more case studies are presented in greater depth in the book. Go to amazon.com or josseybass.com to purchase the book.
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