4.10.2008

From Bill Cutler

The challenge of Climate Protection is URGENT!  The current proposed CEAP structure is passive.  CEAP needs a much more aggressive structure to make things happen.

1. How do we identify the big-payoff opportunities that will produce the major long-term progress toward the carbon-free world?

2. How do we organize an effective cross-segment project in response to each opportunity?

3. How do we make sure the key people and resources are recruited?

4. How do we generate the push to make it happen ASAP?

I think we need a working group on organizational effectiveness to answer these and any other like questions.  I certainly want to participate and I am willing to chair it if nobody better steps up.

 4.10.2008

From Bryan Long

I agree with Bill's points 1-4 above, but don't agree that the current proposed structure is passive.  While organizational structure can be a help or a hindrance to effective action, the most important thing is that we have individual champions who take action on his points 1-4.  Those champions don't need to wait for the CEAP structure to be fully realized.  Inevitably, we wind up with a matrix structure of some kind.  Either we have initiatives cutting across segments, or segments cutting across initiatives.  My feeling is that the segment structure proposed will facilitate communication and organization efforts within segments (e.g. Green Business Certification efforts within the Business Segment), but many high-impact efforts will require champions that organize across segments (e.g., transportation efficiency).   I do think, however, that CEAP needs to find a way to make sure that leaders of cross-segment initiatives are represented or have a direct voice in CEAP meetings.