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December always feels like a mix of wrapping things up and gearing up for what’s next. It’s a time to reflect on what’s worked well, tackle lingering challenges, and set the stage for fresh ideas in the new year. I'm not a New Year's Resolution person—if I don't feel like doing something today I'm not going to feel like it January 1st—but I am always looking for ways to do things more efficiently, and have more fun doing it.
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This month’s newsletter is all about practical tools and strategies to help you make thoughtful decisions—whether you're fine-tuning a survey, training your team, or planning meaningful visitor experiences.
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I hope these articles spark a new idea or solve a problem for you. As always, I’d love to hear what resonates—or what you’d like me to dive into next month.
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Wishing you a productive and positive end to the year,
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Surveys: stop wasting everyone's time.
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When it comes to crafting a member or customer survey, the temptation is real: let’s ask all the things. After all, we assume our community will eagerly sit down and shape our next strategic direction or market plan. But the truth is, surveys aren’t most people’s idea of a good time, and their patience for them is usually pretty thin. …
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Training interpreters on a budget
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If you’re a manager or supervisor in a small organization, training staff might feel like a daunting task. You’re juggling limited resources, and the idea of creating a whole program from scratch can be overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—and you’re not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with creating an …
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Management planners: pick a lane, please
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One of the key principles of interpretive planning is that it works within other planning contexts. It works in harmony with other planning processes—especially management planning. If you’re familiar with heritage landscapes like parks, forest reserves, or similar sites, you’ll know that management plans are often the backbone for guiding how these places are run. What’s in a Management Plan? …
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Enright's Eight Principles
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Interpretive planning is the process of crafting exhibits, programs, and events that connect visitors to heritage sites, landscapes, stories, and collections. It is a creative process grounded in clearly defined goals, audience insights, and logistical realities. It’s a disciplined and intentional approach to designing memorable, meaningful visitor experiences. …
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