Operating with a black and white strategy

It’s a windy but sunny morning. My kids have a play date with another family. Quickly, the kids run toward the playground and begin to play. I noticed each child is guiding each other to do something, follow, or see how another kid figures out the climb from a distance.

Obviously, they were not this cooperative the whole time. Still, I found it insightful to how this cooperative world is actualized early in our lives. Then somehow, later on, we become less coordinated and more competitive. It’s closer to reality than the playdate I just described.

Some argue this is the nature of how cities evolve. With a shared vision to become the kind of destination neighborhood or city, the spirit of cooperation is vital. As other towns and communities rise, the competition becomes fierce to attract and retain people, businesses, and amenities.

Successful places are both cooperative and competitive. They have integrated shared human values with a competitive free enterprise. If your neighborhood or city is increasing in the number of stagnating, declining, or distressed places, then you have likely chosen a black and white strategy toward place development. Inclusive, vibrant, and connected places are neither black nor white. Clarifying your place development strategy will help prevent you from becoming frozen in place.