In line with the idea of being "relentlessly pragmatic," these resources support the research, writing, and consultancies for institutions that seek to "aim higher."


Strategic Planning Checklists

This is a downloadable pdfs associated with the critical mistakes enumerated in Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times Fieldbook.

<< Download Background pdf >>

<< Download Organizational Learning Cycle pdf >>

<< Download Critical Mistakes format pdf >>

<< Download SurveyMonkey format pdf >>

Virtuous Cycle Dynamics

This is a downloadable pdf summary of the chapters in Momentum that describe virtuous cycles. 

<< Download Virtuous Cycle Dynamics pdf >>

Momentum Institutional Index

This Index is to be used in conjunction with Momentum:  The Responsibility Paradigm and Virtuous Cycles of Change.  The initial question that should arise from reading Momentum is, “Is my institution gaining traction or is it losing ground?”  An Institutional index has been developed that measures the degree to which stakeholders at a specific institution believe they have the capacity for building winning streaks.

The Index is useful homework to be completed by individuals who are part of a planning retreat or in preparation for regional accreditation.   

The Index contains a series of seven questions across eight dimensions.  The 5-point rating scale goes from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” The survey is administered on-line using Survey Gizmo, and summary reports are generated such that the tool can be used in a diagnostic fashion.

<< Download Momentum Institutional Index pdf >>

The full Institutional Index is available for use independently or as part of a presentation/workshop or consultative arrangement. Please contact for details.

Virginia Tech - Inventing the Future

The following case is from "Winning Streaks: The Power of Virtuous Cycles in Higher Education," in Change magazine (2017).

<< Download Virginia Tech - Inventing the Future pdf >>

Daniel Seymour interviews Virginia Tech's Timothy Sands and Ken Smith

The following interview is from "Winning Streaks: The Power of Virtuous Cycles in Higher Education," in Change magazine (2017).

<< Download Virginia Tech Interview pdf >>