Planners on Planning by Bruce W. McClendon (1996, Hardcover)

Planners on Planning offers pragmatic information on the realities of day-to-day practice from some of the most innovative, respected, and visionary leaders in the planning profession today. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, the book provides straightforward lessons from today's most effective planners on the core values, skills, and techniques needed for success. Through personal, real-life examples from the trenches, these experts explain in their own words what works, what doesn't, and why. Their invaluable first-hand advice includes ten habits of highly effective planners, commitments that enable planners to increase effectiveness and productivity, guidelines for survival and success when dealing with the politics of planning, principles and practices for effective visioning and goals-setting, tips for gaining credibility and trust, operating principles for top-quality customer service, advice on becoming an effective planning director and ensuring job longevity, and why and how to become more entrepreneurial. The planning profession is in the midst of great change and is actively reinventing itself - developing new ways of doing things and new ways of thinking about communities. With this book, planners will learn from the experiences of some of America's best planners how to restructure, reinvent, and renew the practice of their profession.

Industry Reviews
"One of planning's foremost academic leaders and one of its leading practitioners have joined forces to produce an unprecedented book that bridges the gap between planning theory and planning practice." (Eric Damian Kelly, president, American Planning Association; and dean, College of architecture and Planning, Ball State University)
<p>
"This insightful book delivers practical advice and guidance based on the real-life experiences of some of this country's best planners." (Frank So, executive director, American Planning Association)
<p>
"One day with this practical, hands-on guide to successful practice can save you years of trial and error." (Ted Gaebler, coauthor of Reinventing Government)
<p>
"Take some time off and read this book before you go back to work. It's that good!" (Jim Duncan, former president, American Planning Association)