People are the most vital resource of any organization. The work to “walk the talk” involves a commitment to value and respect people who work with and for the organization as intelligent and capable human beings. This kind of environment allows people to work at their best, not only because they feel valued, but also because conditions exist for continual learning and
improvement. As a result, program work can be developed to its fullest potential, and full energy can be put towards the achievement of mission. As noted by Henrietta Zalkind of Down East Partnership for Children, “People need to consistently build their expertise to do the work in a way that moves the whole [program] agenda forward. Otherwise, they get stuck in a ‘rut,’ and that holds all the program work back.”