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Operational Assessment <br />Understanding the current operations of a department is an important component of a master plan; it helps to <br />ensure the agency has the resources needed to deploy and maintain a plan. To understand operational needs, <br />BerryDunn conducted focus groups with ALP staff. ALP employees shared several department's strengths, <br />including a diverse inventory of parks and facilities, a supportive and collaborative culture, and a focus on high - <br />quality service. They described the organizational culture as positive, with a tight -knit, family -like atmosphere. <br />However, there is a desire for better communication, succession planning, and more staff and resources. <br />In an effort to support the successful implementation of its plans, as well as the continued growth of the County, <br />ALP should consider the following: <br />• STAFFING LEVELS: ALP currently operates with <br />limited staff; there should be consideration of <br />expanding the workforce to support increased <br />population as well as opportunities for promotions <br />and additional responsibilities. <br />LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: There is a need <br />for leadership succession planning and fostering <br />innovation at all levels to maintain adaptability <br />and accountability. There is also a need to create <br />individualized development plans to outline career <br />advancement steps, as well as a succession plan for <br />key management roles. <br />CUSTOMER SERVICE: ALP should continue <br />its strong focus on customer service and <br />develop performance standards to help ensure <br />a consistent experience. <br />• ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE: The current <br />healthy culture can be reinforced by aligning <br />with the County's values of teamwork, integrity, <br />and communication. <br />COMMUNICATION: Several initiatives, such as all - <br />staff meetings, weekly senior center meetings, and <br />departmental newsletters, have been introduced <br />to improve communication. These efforts are <br />appreciated and should continue to enhance overall <br />communication within ALP. The County should <br />develop strategic internal communication guidelines <br />to address communication challenges and improve <br />interdepartmental relationships. <br />KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: The <br />Department's overall operating performance <br />can be further strengthened by developing <br />key performance indicators (KPls) to measure <br />effectiveness and impact and regularly <br />reporting on progress. <br />• TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: A continued <br />focus on staff development and implementation <br />of an ALP orientation program that emphasizes <br />the County's mission, vision, values, and desired <br />organizational culture will further help ensure staff <br />have the right tools to continue meeting the needs <br />of County residents. <br />Cabarrus County, North Carolina <br />Page154 <br />