Whether it's formally or informally through memos, voice mail or word of mouth communicate the progress of the project on a continuous basis. Involving all levels of staff from the start sets up an internal accountability process and an external communication mechanism. It also helps foster a feeling of ownership, as everyone can take advantage of the opportunity to express their ideas for the construction project. Have an alternate plan of action in place. No project is perfect.
Alternative plans can make way for other opportunities to be considered.
Upon its completion, Morton Grove's master plan was presented to the public at a community meeting. A large contingency of racquet ball players attended to voice their opposition to the removal of six racquet ball courts to make way for a 5,000 square-foot fitness area. Prepared for this opposition, the park board had an alternate plan already in place which included a building addition. While cost estimates showed it was cheaper to add on more space than to renovate, the racquet ball courts were only being used about 20 percent of the time. Ultimately, the district determined it could not afford the utilities and maintenance on this unused space and decided to stay with our mission of maximizing the use of existing space.