Decision makers provide overall direction for accomplishing the goals and objectives of the community. The ability of decision makers to use the cooperative energy of the community to guide development will depend on how effective they are in relating to different subcommunities. They have a broader view of the community and are able to influence leaders to develop and complete individual projects. Leaders in a community take on different responsibilities, working with subcommunities or within an organization. Leaders have the ability to work with people and to influence a group to complete a project that was approved by decision makers.
Leaders are more willing to learn about the details of a project than the average citizen.
New leaders with special interests may come forward to get their projects completed. Old leaders may have vested interests in the status quo and may actually feel threatened by new leaders trying to create new projects or programs for the community. In order for new ideas to be successfully presented, they need to be incorporated into established programs through a planning process. A strategic planning process should be completed by leaders and approved by decision makers with input from the public. The strategic plan should take into account resources of the community and the possibility for completion.