Build a Diversified Team

July 25, 2013

One strong political leader may drive the project, but success depends on building a well-balanced and diversified project team. Getting the right talent means finding the right mix between policy-specific knowledge and other forms of mission-critical experience.

This may require the secondment of employees from other departments where they may have gained intimate familiarity with approvals and regulations, project management (dealing directly with vendors and consultants), corporate history (gained through years of employment) or diplomacy (by virtue of reporting directly and frequently to the sitting members of a municipal council and/or legislative committee).

External professionals should come to the assignment with a proven track record, skills that complement staff resources and a peerless reputation that will mitigate any doubt or challenges to the decision-making process.

Negotiate a Win-Win-Win

July 24, 2013

Americans, Canadians and Europeans hold distinctive world views, and therefore place different values on both the process and results of contractual negotiations. So it is prudent to hire homegrown talent that understands the local language and business culture, and are also most familiar with the political geography of the community.  

Sharing long-term profits, or marketing secondary products collaboratively through private-public partnerships, can improve the quality of any deal. Setting unregulated standards, such as sustainability measures, elevated recycling rates and on-site emissions reporting, can produce a win-win-win scenario.

Offer More than Money

July 23, 2013

A winning proposal needs to make an argument that establishes the merits of the project in a way that goes beyond costs and revenues. It should solve a long-term problem with a made-in-my-backyard solution.  It should limit potential spillovers, ensuring problems created by the project effect only those who benefit from the proposal or have a direct connection to the project.  

Including sustainable attributes is key, particularly if it also demonstrates a long-term commitment to continuous investment in community renewal and quality of life.