Trying Hard Is Not Good Enough [Paperback]

Mark Friedman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 20, 2009

The Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework can be used to improve the quality of life in communities, cities, counties, states and nations, including everything from the well-being of children to the creation of a sustainable environment. It can help government and private sector agencies improve the performance of their programs and make them more customer-friendly and effective. RBA is a common sense approach that replaces all the complicated jargon-laden methods foisted on us in the past. The methods can be learned and applied quickly. And all the materials are free for use by government and non-profit organizations. In addition to providing practical methods, the book also makes a contribution to social theory by explaining the contribution relationship between program performance and community quality of life. As such it is a valuable tool for both program administrators and evaluators. The RBA framework has been used in over 40 states and countries around the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

After teaching high school math for one year, Mark Friedman served for 19 years in the Maryland Department of Human Resources, including six years as the department's Chief Financial Officer. In 1991 he joined the Center for the Study of Social Policy in Washington, D.C. where his work focused on helping state and local governments finance innovative child and family services. In 1996, he founded the Fiscal Policy Studies Institute (FPSI) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since 1996, he has provided training at the federal, state, county, city, school district and community levels. His work has involved nearly every kind of government and non-profit organization from social services, health and education to transportation, environment and many more. His widely acclaimed methods have been used in over 40 states and seven countries outside the United States.

Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (May 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439237867
• ISBN-13: 978-1439237861
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful Tool for Change Agents, February 1, 2006

By 

J. Lovegrove (Lehigh Valley, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Trying Hard is Not Good Enough: How to Produce Measurable Improvements for Customers and Communities (Paperback)

Finally, a book that pushes readers into full-fledge imagining of what is possible in their communities, while mentoring change agents in real language to make a real difference. Every chapter provides a compelling case for how results-based planning and action (inside and among organizations) CAN "turn the curve" on measures of well-being for kids and families who cannot bear even one more year of less than our best efforts. Hands-on learning tools and exercises are an added bonus for moving "why we can't" to "how we can."

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh and learn, July 25, 2006

By 

Sara Watson (Silver Spring, MD United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Trying Hard is Not Good Enough: How to Produce Measurable Improvements for Customers and Communities (Paperback)

Finally a book on this topic that is powerful, direct, clear...and funny. Friedman has vast experience in the US and overseas in getting governments to use outcomes and it shows in this book. The advice is extremely well thought-out, effective, and fun to read. This book works if you are just learning about the topic or about to launch a major overhaul. Highly recommended.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plain language common sense approach to large scale change, February 20, 2006

By 

J. Ott (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Trying Hard is Not Good Enough: How to Produce Measurable Improvements for Customers and Communities (Paperback)

For anyone committed to large scale change, either in the public or private sectors, this book is a must read. The straight-forward language and practical examples ease the reader into a provocative discussion of what's wrong with many complex initiatives, and better yet, provide a clear road map for how to get better. Highly recommended.