Key Skills for Successful Town Planners

...and why are the best planners mostly women?

Town planning is an intricate field that requires a balance of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and creative problem-solving. Planners play a crucial role in shaping communities, ensuring sustainable development, and addressing the complex needs of urban and rural areas. At no time in the last 15 years has that been more the case than it is right now.

Over my career, I have had the privilege of working with many talented individuals, and I have found that some of the most impressive planners have been women. This observation is not merely anecdotal; it underscores the diverse skills and strengths women bring to the profession. The RTPI tell us that the gender balance is shifting but in 2020 it was still the case that 58% of planners in the UK were men.

We're told there will soon be another 300 colleagues in LPA's up and down the land....so in this article, I explore the key skills required for successful town planning and consider why it is women seem to excel in this field.

So what can you expect from your Town Planner?

Now...I'm not suggesting that all planning colleagues out there possess this entire collection of skills....but this is what we aim for!

Analytical Skills

These form the foundation of effective town planning. Planners must assess various factors, including demographic trends, economic conditions, and environmental considerations, to make informed decisions.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking means evaluating complex data, policies, and trends. Planners should understand multifaceted problems and foresee potential impacts. Use critical thinking to assess the feasibility of projects, evaluate potential risks, and devise strategic plans.

Problem Solving

Town planners often encounter challenges that require creative solutions. Admittedly this may not always happen....but problem-solving involves identifying issues, generating possible solutions, and implementing the best course of action. Effective problem-solving requires creativity, open-mindedness, and the ability to think on one's feet.

Technical Proficiency

Technical proficiency in various tools and methods is essential for town planners to analyse data accurately and develop effective plans. This includes:

GIS and Mapping Skills

Speaking as one who studied the subject before PC's arrived, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are invaluable tools for town planners. GIS technology allows planners to visualise and analyze spatial data, helping them understand patterns, trends, and relationships in the physical environment. Proficiency in GIS enables planners to make data-driven decisions, improve land-use planning, and enhance communication with stakeholders.

Data Analysis

Data analysis involves interpreting statistical data to forecast future trends and inform planning decisions. This skill is essential for evaluating population growth, economic shifts, and environmental impacts.

Communication Skills

Town planners require excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex ideas and plans to a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, members of the community, and developers. They must articulate technical information clearly, hold public meetings, and negotiate between diverse interests. Strong communication skills mean planners build consensus, and advocate for sustainable development, ultimately leading to successful project implementation and community satisfaction.

Written Communication

Written communication is crucial for drafting clear and concise reports, and ultimately getting your message across. Planners must be able to articulate their ideas in a way that is accessible to stakeholders, including government officials, developers, and the general public.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills enable planners to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including developers, government officials, and the community. Key interpersonal skills include:

Collaboration

Working effectively with others to achieve your goals. Town planners should build strong relationships with stakeholders, fostering a sense of shared purpose and commitment. This collaborative approach ensures that planning decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.

Negotiation

Balance differing interests and reach agreements that benefit all parties. Town planners can mediate between competing priorities, such as economic development and environmental conservation. Aiming to find solutions that satisfy multiple stakeholders, ensuring that projects proceed smoothly and successfully.

Empathy

Empathy is the key to a successful planner. This ability to understand and share the feelings of others enables planners to recognise the diverse needs of community members, ensuring that planning decisions are inclusive and equitable. Empathetic planners consider the social and emotional impacts of their decisions, fostering trust and cooperation with the community.

Organisational and Project Management Skills

Organizational and project management skills are essential for managing multiple projects and ensuring precision and accuracy in planning documents. These skills include:

Time Management

Prioritising tasks and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Effective time management ensures that projects are completed on schedule and within budget. Planners juggle competing demands and allocate resources efficiently, maintaining momentum and achieving desired outcomes.

Attention to Detail

This is crucial for ensuring precision and accuracy in all planning documents. Planners must meticulously review their work, checking for errors and inconsistencies that could undermine the success of a project. This meticulous approach ensures that plans are reliable, credible, and actionable.

Leadership and Decision-Making

Leadership and decision-making skills are vital for guiding teams and making timely, well-considered decisions. This involves:

Visionary Leadership

Visionary leadership involves inspiring and guiding teams towards a strategic vision for community development. Effective leaders motivate and empower their teams, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. This visionary approach ensures that planning initiatives align with long-term goals and create lasting positive impacts.

Decisiveness

Decisiveness is the ability to make timely and well-considered decisions. Town planners must navigate complex and often ambiguous situations, making informed choices that balance competing priorities. Decisive planners look at the issues and make decisions...not always easy.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adjust plans and approaches in response to changing circumstances and feedback. Planners must be open to new ideas and willing to revise their strategies as needed. This adaptability ensures that projects remain relevant and responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Community Engagement and Public Relations

Community engagement and public relations are vital for conducting effective public consultations and managing the public perception of planning projects. This includes:

Public Relations

Public relations involve managing the public perception of planning projects and initiatives. Planners must communicate effectively with the public, addressing concerns and promoting the benefits of their plans. This proactive approach ensures that projects are well-received and supported by the community.

The Role of Women in Town Planning

Many successful planners possess these skills, and it's noteworthy that a significant number of the more effective planners I meet are women. There are several reasons why women excel in this field:

Empathy and Listening Skills

In my experience women often bring a high degree of empathy and active listening to their work. These skills are crucial for understanding the stakeholders' needs and fostering inclusive planning. Women are adept at building relationships and creating a sense of trust and collaboration with those stakeholders.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Women typically excel in collaborative environments, which are essential in planning teams that involve various stakeholders. Their ability to work effectively with others ensures that planning initiatives are comprehensive and well-coordinated.

Attention to Detail

Women often have strong organisational skills and attention to detail, which are vital for managing complex planning projects. Their meticulous approach ensures that plans are accurate, reliable, and actionable.

Emotional Intelligence

Women generally possess high emotional intelligence, enabling them to navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively. This skill is essential for managing conflicts, building consensus, and fostering a positive team environment.

Holistic Thinking

Women frequently approach problems holistically, considering the broader social and environmental impacts of planning decisions. This comprehensive perspective ensures that plans are sustainable, equitable, and aligned with long-term community goals.

Conclusion

Town planning is a challenging yet rewarding field that requires a diverse range of skills and qualities.

Successful planners possess a combination of analytical, technical, and interpersonal skills, enabling them to navigate complex challenges and create vibrant, sustainable communities. Throughout my career, I have found that many of the most impressive planners are women. Their empathy, collaboration, attention to detail, and holistic thinking make them invaluable contributors to the planning profession.

As the profession continues to evolve, it is essential to recognise and celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to the table. By fostering a diverse and inclusive profession, we can ensure that town planning remains innovative, responsive, and attuned to the needs of all communities.

And finally, a small shout out to a few of the rather bright women I have worked with over the years:

Philippa Baruch Alishba Saqib Elaine Atkinson Bethany Scott Megan Wilson MRTPI CIHCM and more recently Catherine Shephard . Then, finally again Jackie Clarke ( a former planner from the North York Moors National Park ) who will probably never see this but she was the one who showed me how to be a better planner!

#womeninplanning #townplanning