Upon investigation, you learn that the town does not have a strategic plan or a mission statement. In your view, does this affect the current situation? Why or why not?

What will be an ideal response?

Observant students will note that the town has many good, dedicated employees who are frustrated by the lack of an overall vision or purpose. Students should be able to link the lack of a strategic plan directly to some of the problems the town is facing. The situation is not unlike the humorous example of the stonecutters mentioned on page 41. Without a plan, day-to-day activities continue, but they might not lead to a specific set of goals or long-term results.