May13Written by:Nathan Greeno
5/13/2010 6:28 AM 
In twenty years of experience in launching these programs with partnering institutions I have been able to identify the perfect storm that creates a false start or a no start situation or even a shut down of a previously successful program.
A) Lack of the right full time director. The quality and capacity of the right director in leadership has a direct impact on the success of the program. Without a person entirely devoted to the success of the program, it will fail. Competing demands of multiple priorities and insecurity of job position quickly drains capacity and energy for the program.
B) Absorbing this unique program into the traditional fabric of the institution. These programs are designed to be a singular work unit with distinct approaches, surveys, market data, processes and targeted marketing. When they become absorbed with “the way we do things here” they return the same results as the rest of the institution. This often is the exact opposite of what the program was designed to do in the first place.
C) Dwindling or lack of executive level support. I have found that it is only the executive level and its belief in the program as a key strategic tool for the future of the university that can provide the laser focus and protection for the program during its infancy. The right type of executive level support can open up doors, provide access to resources, tools and personnel as needed.
These three items combined create the perfect storm. Any one of these items can be rectified on its own, but when they arrive on the scene together – rarely will the program survive.
The key to a successful program launch and sustainability is being aware of these three potential storms and guarding against them. Doing that will put you well on your way to success!
NathanCopyright ©2010 Nathan Greeno
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