Practical Planning Skills
June Thomas
Practical
planning—or “persistent effort patiently pursued,” to
throw in a few more Ps—was a hallmark of the remarkable ministry
of Shoghi Effendi.
From her study of the Guardian’s life and works, urban planner
June Thomas has identified tools we can use in any situation:
1. Understand your mandate and mission.
2. Consult about what needs to be done.
3. Choose a manageable number of objectives and strategies—clearly
conceived and possibly in phases.
4. Consistently act.
5. Be aware of who is supposed to do what.
6. Use love, support and active encouragement.
7. Communicate frequently, adjust and monitor.
8. Periodically evaluate your progress.
And workshop participants were given an opportunity to put these tools
to use right away. The audience was split into three groups, each to
consult on a scenario likely to confront a Bahá’í community.
—Tom Mennillo, reporter
