Too often, workforce development boards place constraints on themselves based on the status quo, resource limitations, lack of capacity, and other hurdles. By burdening themselves with such barriers, which they may perceive to be insurmountable, workforce organizations may become incapable of reaching their potential as community leaders and drivers of innovation that power regional growth and development. Without the ability to open themselves up to new opportunities by envisioning what could be rather than accepting what is, workforce boards may not make the most of their capacity to be economic engines within their communities.
An opportunity-oriented approach to providing services is one of four future-focused behaviors identified by AWAKE. These behaviors were vetted by a diverse group of workforce professionals from across the country to ensure they are reflective of the core characteristics, priorities, and commitments needed to prepare and transform America’s workforce system to ensure that all workers and learners succeed.
Opportunity-Oriented: Imagining What Could Be, Not Accepting What Is
Future-focused workforce boards have expansive visions of what they can achieve, and they pursue the resources and talent necessary to meet ambitious goals. They are aware of strategic opportunities to expand their influence at all levels across a diverse set of stakeholders.
