Sometimes it might seem difficult for us to judge just how successful we have been as planners over a period of time.
    There are obvious measuring sticks such as new facilities on the ground, or improvements to existing roadways, which most definitely reflect our ability to coordinate the planning process and close the deal effectively.
    There are also more subtle ways of judging whether you have been successful as a planning director in accomplishing the goals and objectives of your local planning area.
    Have you implemented a planning process that has withstood the test of time?  Do you get strong support and participation from local elected officials and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation process?
    Have you successfully completed your role as a leader and been able to bring the appropriate level of focus upon problem or deficient areas in your network, and pointed out solutions that have been implemented successfully?
    Have you created a forum whereby public officials, technical level professionals, and other stakeholders feel comfortable in sharing their thoughts and offering solutions to address problems or opportunities?
    Our role is often similar to that of a coach who recruits the appropriate team members, devises the game strategy, and supplies enough leadership to win the game.
    Knowledge, skill, talent, energy, persistence, and vision are all important elements of a successful Planning Director's make up.  Using these attributes wisely in the appropriate framework usually results in success.
    Chances are that most of us have realized that most of these issues are important to our success, and have found a way to address them to our benefit.
    So, if you find that you have successfully established a planning process that has addressed short term, as well as long term issues, have solid support, funding, and local buyin you have done your job successfully.