Trying Hard in Not Good Enough

By Mark Friedman

Book Overview

The Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework can be used to improve the quality of life in communities, cities, counties, states and nations, including everything from the well-being of children to the creation of a sustainable environment. It can help government and private sector agencies improve the performance of their programs and make them more customer-friendly and effective. RBA is a common sense approach that replaces all the complicated jargon-laden methods foisted on us in the past. The methods can be learned and applied quickly. And all the materials are free for use by government and non-profit organizations. In addition to providing practical methods, the book also makes a contribution to social theory by explaining the contribution relationship between program performance and community quality of life. As such it is a valuable tool for both program administrators and evaluators. A workshop DVD is also available from resultsleadership.org. The RBA framework has been used in over 40 states and countries around the world.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439237867
• ISBN13: 9781439237861
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Booksurge
• Length: 194 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews

a must read for nonprofit execs

This is the business process for the current decade and should be used by all nonprofits seeking or recieving government funding. It also happens to be a very sensible, positive system. It always helps to go to the source and this book is authored by the primary person responcible for creating the RBA system. A easy but not dumbed-down read, this book gives you what you need to understand and implement RBA in your organzation.

Laugh and learn

Finally a book on this topic that is powerful, direct, clear...and funny. Friedman has vast experience in the US and overseas in getting governments to use outcomes and it shows in this book. The advice is extremely well thought-out, effective, and fun to read. This book works if you are just learning about the topic or about to launch a major overhaul. Highly recommended.

Plain language common sense approach to large scale change

For anyone committed to large scale change, either in the public or private sectors, this book is a must read. The straight-forward language and practical examples ease the reader into a provocative discussion of what's wrong with many complex initiatives, and better yet, provide a clear road map for how to get better. Highly recommended.

A Powerful Tool for Change Agents

Finally, a book that pushes readers into full-fledge imagining of what is possible in their communities, while mentoring change agents in real language to make a real difference. Every chapter provides a compelling case for how results-based planning and action (inside and among organizations) CAN "turn the curve" on measures of well-being for kids and families who cannot bear even one more year of less than our best efforts. Hands-on learning tools and exercises are an added bonus for moving "why we can't" to "how we can."