Knowing how to work within the UN bureaucracy is essential if implementation of initiatives is dependent upon UN approval or support. OPC required help in this area from various ministries within the coalition governments. Preparing the local people or NGOs, preferably indigenous NGOs, to take over functions when the military forces depart is essential for sustainng projects. OPC worked hard to train local people and include them in decision making so they would have a 'corporate memory' of the development process. Monitoring the progress of economic enterprises to anticipate problems means that a robust and reliable system of data collection is essential.
Flexibility is required to avoid wasting time and money.
Projects which do not work must be adjusted or discarded. Ensuring that salaries paid to local employees are comparable to those in the local employment market is extremely important. Salary margins should be scrupulously maintained. Windows of opportunity' close as fast and unexpectedly as they open. Those in leadership positions must plan for contingencies and be ready to act boldly when opportunities appear.