Planners on Planning: Leading Planners Offer Real-Life Lessons on What Works, What Doesn't, and Why (Jossey Bass Public Administration Series) [Hardcover]

Bruce W. McClendon (Author), Anthony James Catanese (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0787902853 | ISBN-13: 978-0787902858 | Edition: 1st

Offers pragmatic information on the realities of day-to-day practice from some of the most innovative, respected, and visionary leaders in the planning profession today. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this guide provides straightforward lessons from today's most effective planners on the core values, skills, and techniques needed for success. Through personal, real-life examples from the trenches, these experts explain in their own words what works, what doesn't, and why.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of planning's foremost academic leaders and one of its leading practitioners have joined forces to produce an unprecedented book that bridges the gap between planning theory and planning practice." (Eric Damian Kelly, president, American Planning Association; and dean, College of architecture and Planning, Ball State University)

"This insightful book delivers practical advice and guidance based on the real-life experiences of some of this country's best planners." (Frank So, executive director, American Planning Association)

"One day with this practical, hands-on guide to successful practice can save you years of trial and error." (Ted Gaebler, coauthor of Reinventing Government)

"Take some time off and read this book before you go back to work. It's that good!" (Jim Duncan, former president, American Planning Association)

From the Inside Flap

Perhaps at no time in history have we experienced social, political, and economic changes occurring as rapidly as today. As a result, planners and other public officials are being asked to address critical community needs better, faster, and with fewer resources than ever before. Planners on Planning offers pragmatic information on the realities of day-to-day practice from some of the most innovative, respected, and visionary leaders in the planning profession today. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, the book provides straightforward lessons from today's most effective planners on the core values, skills, and techniques needed for success. Through personal, real-life examples from the trenches, these experts explain in their own words what works, what doesn't, and why. Their invaluable first-hand advice includes:

• Ten habits of highly effective planners
• Commitments that enable planners to increase effectiveness and productivity
• Guidelines for survival and success when dealing with the politics of planning
• Principles and practices for effective visioning and goals-setting
• Tips for gaining credibility and trust
• Operating principles for top-quality customer service
• Advice on becoming an effective planning director with job longevity
• Why and how to become more entrepreneurial

The planning profession is in the midst of great change and is actively reinventing itself—developing new ways of doing things and new ways of thinking about communities. With this book, planners will learn from the experiences of some of America's best planners how to restructure, reinvent, and renew the practice of their profession.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1st edition (August 14, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787902853
• ISBN-13: 978-0787902858
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,989,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Bunk, sophmoric, July 12, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Planners on Planning: Leading Planners Offer Real-Life Lessons on What Works, What Doesn't, and Why (Jossey Bass Public Administration Series) (Hardcover)

While there are some top-notch planners included in this book, far too many are simply buddies of the editor who have accomplished little in their careers. The editor offers his usual perversion of the latest pop trends to tie it all together. Much sloganizing, little of substance.