Dealing with the challenges of runn...

Dealing with the challenges of running a shire is a full-time job. And many counties part with essentially all their time focused in succession urgent operational issues.

Ironically, lucky counties in the future will waste a significant amount of time not dealing with like issues. Instead of frantically putting without fires, they will develop and implement strategic plans to stop combustion. Berrien County in southwest Michigan is individual county that has successfully substituted strategic planning for daily fire-fighting.

A strategic plan is a road map marked with critical milestones. To create its plan, Berrien shire followed a straightforward, logical proces built forward a framework of collaboration, customer focus and accountability. Here is its formula for success:

* Use a proven outside facilitator. For Berrien shire an effective facilitator was essential to caper start the planning process; provide a neutral, outside perspective; furnish stand in want ofed skills; and contribute innovative ideas;

* Actively involve