Expressed Needs

Targeted programming is central to the idea of user-driven programming. Without a sense of focus, it is truly impossible to be effective. If we extend ourselves too broadly, our energies get dissipated and it is hard to make any headway. Instead, we target.

Build a Platform not a Product

Creating an effective system to produce user-driven programming means that we’re building a platform, not a product.

Empower Leadership 

A user-driven model is built on the hard work of leaders and is the role of everyone to empower and embrace that leadership. On every level, from staff person to president of the organization, we all benefit from engaged and empowered leaders. In fact, creating sustainable growth is rooted in constantly engaging and teaching new people to lead.

Use Strategy for the Long-Term

Organizations are often stuck in short-term thinking, rushing to put out every fire as it appears, instead of thinking strategically. Everything, including user-driven programming, should have a strategy and a vision. It can be easy to just say, “we make programs” instead of asking ourselves, why?

Fail Fast and Fail Often

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned, not just as a person but also in developing a user-driven programming model, is to fail a lot. Trying, experimenting, and testing results in a ton of failures. These failures are extremely valuable. In fact, failing fast is central in creating good programming on the long-term.