Who owns the plans?

Collective ownership business, strategic and tactical plans is essential.  Assemble a team of interested persons and brainstorm ownership from the beginning. The institute is a “social construction of reality.”  That is, a group of interested persons get together to create this new futures model.  The goal is to create, share and transform the vision. IF @ AACC has made an effort to move away from the “great person” model of leadership. Sustainability is enhanced if the vision and mission are maintained, not a single person. Construct a system for the recruitment and socialization of interested persons to drive the institute.

What resources are available to support my institute?

Don’t reinvent the wheel! In designing your institute sustainability, efficacy and efficiency are central.  Experience has shown that systems do not run at 100% capacity. The gap between potential production and actual production is a source, if gathered and redirected, of energy to drive your institute. If you wait for the “big grant” you may wait a long time!  Experience in creating and running two internal institutes over the last 35 years (Center for the Study of Local Issues and the Institute for the Future @ AACC) suggests that it is better “to start”  and grow as you will rather than take a more linear approach and wait for the grant.  “Starting” builds momentum, and the system accumulated energy, rather than waiting for a giant energy burst. 

Here are some ways to avoid “reinventing the wheel” that is, ways to use what you have. Inventory existing sources that can help. This means people, social and material resources. For examples:

·          An existing structure to which you can tie your institute. Rather than create stand-alone systems, can you connect to an existing system? Some examples might include – institutional research offices, willing departments, or research centers.

·          Inventory staff who can take on pieces of your emerging workload by integrating the institute into existing work schedules.

·          Remember, the fundamental support systems that we often take for granted:
     The existing college physical plant,
     Information technology systems in place,
     Copy and printing centers,
     Existing personnel and support systems of all kinds and,
     Don’t forget other centers, institutes, research centers, programs and projects
     that can work in an internal partnership with you.

Once you’ve defined existing resources, then connect them. Create your own structure by “connecting” the existing “dots.”  This will be a challenge because the “stove pipe” vertical structures on many organizations makes horizontal thinking and action unusual. In addition, resources are allocated in vertical functional systems.  This reinforces independence but also interferes with cooperation.  State FTE’s and college fund allocations are connected with budget silos. 

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