Liaison OperationRoads in the Woods II

Liaison OperationWebster’s Definitions

≦Liaison: A close bond or connection which facilitates communication for establishing and

fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in a relationship or partnership.

Liaison OperationWebster’s Definitions

≦Relationship: A state of affairs existing between those having dealings.

≦Partnership: One associated with another in an action.

≦Facilitate: To make easier.≦Foster: To promote growth or

development.

Liaison OperationWebster’s Definitions

≦Communication: A process which information is exchanged between individuals

through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior.

Liaison OperationWhat Is Not A Liaison

≦Proxy: Authority or power to act for another.

Liaison OperationWhat A Liaison Is

≦A Liaison is a connection

Liaison OperationAn Example of a Liaison

≦A Liaison functions some what like a Pastor.

Liaison OperationHistory

≦2002 USFS Made the “Proposal”≦WYDOT Was Not Interested

≦Late 2002, WYDOT Agrees to 1 Liaison≦USFS Counters for 2 Liaisons

≦WYDOT & FHWA Grudgingly Agree≦Early 2003, 2 Liaisons Are Hired

Liaison OperationLiaison Interviews

≦Interview Panel Was Created From 3 Agencies

≦Interviewing Was Difficult - Agencies Were Looking for Their Own Interests

≦Spring of 2003, Selection Was Made

Liaison OperationThe 3-Headed Monster

≦The Reality - the Liaison will be connecting the 3 Headed Monster - this will be difficult

≦Communication will be next to impossible…

≦WYDOT - FHWA - USFS

Liaison OperationCommon Ground of a Liaison & a Pastor

≦He connects people to people≦He communicates weekly for establishing and fostering mutual understanding and

cooperation in a relationship≦He defines the mission, roles, and purpose

for a functional relationship≦He can provide wisdom and bring about

good≦He will put you to work

Liaison OperationThings That a Pastor Is Not

≦He is not the husband, the wife or the parent.

≦He does not wash the clothes, do the dishes or mow the lawn

≦He doesn’t change the diapers or coach little league soccer

≦He does not bring home the bacon or pay the bills

Liaison OperationWhat Can We Learn From This

≦We as agencies must be responsible≦We as agencies must be trustworthy≦We as agencies must attend meetings

when invited≦We as agencies must produce the work for

the common good≦We must allow the Liaison to delegate the

work for effectiveness purposes

Liaison OperationCommunication Is The Connection

≦Communication is the friction that keeps everything together.

≦Communication must be tactful and accurate.

≦Communication must be understood.

Liaison OperationUnintended Consequence

≦Failure to Connect

Liaison OperationIntended Success

≦Award≦Customer Satisfaction

≦Benefits