Book Review by Jon Roberts

Maury Forman and Michelle Harvey

This is the latest in a series of economic development primers by Maury Forman. In a profession that sorely needs more training, more clarity, and a better sense of humor, Maury provides a service not available anywhere else. Following a format that typically includes the cartoon artwork of David Horsey (a well-known figure in the Seattle print media), Maury sums up volumes of work with a series of pithy admonitions. Leadership – at the community level – begins with vision and ends with a commitment to develop future leaders. While we may quibble about what was left out, or what was redundant, the fact remains that we have precious little to draw upon when we want to educate our politicians and our agency heads about the importance of leadership.

It is no surprise to anyone in economic development that leadership is the sticking point of most plans and most initiatives. When you have it, things work. When you don’t have it, things fall apart. A primer on leadership is a reminder that planning alone is not enough, even when it meets budget and management tests, garners community support, and selects worthwhile goals. The ability to drive the process forward, that’s leadership.

Hats off to Maury for another well-executed guidebook.

*“The Ten Commandments of Community Leadership” is available through the State of Washington Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development or the Association of Washington Cities.*

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