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13 Ways to Kill Your Community
13 Ways to Kill Your Community is lively, full of personality, conversational, breezy, succinct, and fun. One can imagine readers seeking out information on boosting their local community sighing dutifully as they seek out material and then being relieved and delighted when what they find turns out to be as entertaining as it is informative. The information provided is sometimes startling and often positively revelatory. The anecdotes and examples are delivered with wit and a little bit of a dishy factor. But underneath all the fun is a clear breadth of experience, and a no-nonsense, practical approach to community building, which can be easily grasped. 13 Ways to Kill Your Community offers practical, implementable steps that can be taken to bring a moribund community back to life. This book delivers what it promises, and it does so with wit and warmth.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
55 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 2, 2017
We were sent a copy of 13 Ways To Kill Your Community written by Doug Griffiths by his publicist so that we could write this review.
All the time we see the words “Must Read” to describe a book. Maybe those words get used a bit too often. However, 13 Ways To Kill Your Community truly is a must read.
Doug Griffiths uses an unusual approach to teach his readers what they can do to strengthen their communities. The 13 ways listed should probably be obvious but, unfortunately, they are not.
If you are a community leader, thought leader, elected official, or political candidate, you can’t afford not to read 13 Ways To Kill Your Community. You need to hear this.
If you are not a community leader, thought leader, elected official, or political candidate, you still can’t afford not to read 13 Ways To Kill Your Community. We are all responsible for what takes place in our communities.
This book is very well written. It has several stories about what Mr. Griffiths ran into while presenting 13 Ways To Kill Your Community in live presentations. You will hear how clueless the world at large really is. You may even discover something about yourself you did not realize.
We give 13 Ways To Kill Your Community all five stars. Not only is it well written and entertaining, it is also vitally important. Once you have read it, you will want to pass it along to others. Maybe you will want to buy a copy to donate to your local library.
We suggest that anyone who cares anything at all about their community read 13 Ways To Kill Your Community. Maybe even add this book to your reading club. Who knows, if you aren’t careful, you just might accidentally improve your community.
All the time we see the words “Must Read” to describe a book. Maybe those words get used a bit too often. However, 13 Ways To Kill Your Community truly is a must read.
Doug Griffiths uses an unusual approach to teach his readers what they can do to strengthen their communities. The 13 ways listed should probably be obvious but, unfortunately, they are not.
If you are a community leader, thought leader, elected official, or political candidate, you can’t afford not to read 13 Ways To Kill Your Community. You need to hear this.
If you are not a community leader, thought leader, elected official, or political candidate, you still can’t afford not to read 13 Ways To Kill Your Community. We are all responsible for what takes place in our communities.
This book is very well written. It has several stories about what Mr. Griffiths ran into while presenting 13 Ways To Kill Your Community in live presentations. You will hear how clueless the world at large really is. You may even discover something about yourself you did not realize.
We give 13 Ways To Kill Your Community all five stars. Not only is it well written and entertaining, it is also vitally important. Once you have read it, you will want to pass it along to others. Maybe you will want to buy a copy to donate to your local library.
We suggest that anyone who cares anything at all about their community read 13 Ways To Kill Your Community. Maybe even add this book to your reading club. Who knows, if you aren’t careful, you just might accidentally improve your community.
July 6, 2016
The book had so much information that I found I needed to read and re-read it. My full thoughts about the book can be found here: https://librarymomblog.wordpress.com/...
May I suggest you take the time to read this?
May I suggest you take the time to read this?
August 5, 2023
3.5 stars
The author (Griffiths) of this book is a politician (and former teacher) representing a rural riding (at least he was when he wrote the book). He expanded a speech he often does to help rural communities revitalize their towns. It’s a bit of a reverse psychology thing similar to what he once used with his high school students, so the “ways to kill your community” is obviously not what he’s really getting at, but the opposite. He uses examples of things that people do that do prevent communities from growing.
The topic is not really my interest (though I grew up in a small town, so it was somewhat interesting from that perspective), but I think for what it does/recommends/suggests, it is a good book. I think it’s a worthwhile read, particularly for people who live in rural areas, whether they are “leaders” in those communities, or business owners, or just the people who live there (assuming they do not want their communities to die).
The author (Griffiths) of this book is a politician (and former teacher) representing a rural riding (at least he was when he wrote the book). He expanded a speech he often does to help rural communities revitalize their towns. It’s a bit of a reverse psychology thing similar to what he once used with his high school students, so the “ways to kill your community” is obviously not what he’s really getting at, but the opposite. He uses examples of things that people do that do prevent communities from growing.
The topic is not really my interest (though I grew up in a small town, so it was somewhat interesting from that perspective), but I think for what it does/recommends/suggests, it is a good book. I think it’s a worthwhile read, particularly for people who live in rural areas, whether they are “leaders” in those communities, or business owners, or just the people who live there (assuming they do not want their communities to die).
November 9, 2017
Based on Griffiths' extensive research and consulting work with communities across Canada and the US, he presented 13 things a community should do to squash growth and prosperity, from not painting to not encouraging business to come to your community, to not caring about your community. A good resource for community development - if you can recognize your community's shortcomings and pitfalls in the examples he gives.
May 16, 2021
Loved it. Entertaining, thought provoking, and encouraging. I see so many detrimental small town mentalities which I experience every day represented in the narrative, and it is refreshing and encouraging to see solutions and encouragement to ignore the roadblocks and weights. This book has made me optimistic and encouraged again. I feel reinvigorated to make a difference and help my community grow and thrive.
October 21, 2025
Heard about this during a regional resource conference and it definitely gives you some things to think about when thinking about what’s “wrong” with your community. There’s so many factors to consider and you yourself might be the one hindering yourself. It’s worth for many small or rural leaders to read this, have meaningful discussions about it, and actually go out and do something to improve their communities.
Read
July 10, 2024Read as part of the Healthy Harvey Coalition's community book club
March 15, 2014
Just finished reading this book for a second time. I highly recommend it. The writing style used may turn some people off, because it's written as a guide on how to prevent progress and growth in your community, using a heavily sarcastic and cynical tone. For me that actually made it a more entertaining read. It mockingly reflects the negative tones we often hear from other voices in the community and brings to light just how destructive those opinions and actions can be. The thirteen ways that are covered in the book sadly describe much of what I see in my own community, almost making it seem like this book was written about my hometown. A somewhat depressing comparison that could be leveraged as a guide by the right people. A good friend introduced me to this book and it prompted some great discussion. I would almost go as far to say it should be required reading for our community leaders. This won't be the last time I read this book, and I hope others pick it up as well.
October 8, 2013
A very well done brief study in reverse physiology. A book that anyone wanting to improve community would do well to have in their library. Even those who don't could do well to start a personal library with this book...
January 3, 2025
I borrowed this book from the public library after learning of it from an incumbent in the recent civic election all candidates forum. I personally know this incumbent (now re-elected) and thought "If he felt there is value in this book, I should read it." The book is insightful and caused me to ponder many happenings in our city, leading to the time it took me to complete reading it.
As I read the book, I held a loose context of what defines community. While most may read the book with the thought of community as the place they live, I considered "community" to be not only that but also my workplace, my friend circle, my family, the organizations I support, and the goals I want to achieve in my future. These "communities" are important to me and Doug's 13 ways are certainly applicable to all of them.
In Chapter 11 - Ignore Outsiders, Doug provides statistics regarding global access to proper sanitation, electricity and safe water supply, incidence of malnutrition, the right to vote, and the level of education attainment. We take all of this for granted in Canada and we must find ways to provide these basic necessities around the world.
Doug informs readers that immigrants to Canada have a high level of success even with the challenges they face (language barriers, different cultures, etc.). He reminds us that many of our great-grandparents did the same thing as current day immigrants. They came to a new place and built successful lives from almost nothing and have passed that success on to their descendants, us. However, we have become complacent and don't have the fortitude or ambition of our ancestors. He urges us to throw away the proverbial silver spoon and to become hungry for opportunity for ourselves.
This mention of complacency in Chapter 11 leads to Chapter 12 where Doug tells us that "success is not a sprint or a marathon, but a baton race that never ends." This comment hit me hard. As I am retiring in the not-so-distant future, it reminded me that while I have been successful at building a very capable team in my workplace, I have been complacent in ensuring that once I have left that they have ALL the tools needed to continue to succeed. I pride myself in educating and advocating for them and for providing them tools that enable them to seek answers. However, I find myself considering what I need to impart before I leave, what are the weak points, where do I need to do more. My focus has to be there for my final few months of work. I have to determine what continues the success of this incredible team and how I impart knowledge on my replacement.
In Chapter 12, Doug discusses how communities want to be sustainable but if you consider the definition as "something that endures and maintains into the future", he indicates that many communities have forgotten the key word "endures". If we are only sustainable, are we only achieving "status quo"? If we endure, we are ensuring future growth, diversity, and prosperity. Communities will adapt if they focus on "endurance". They should strive to be adaptive, progressive, and responsive to changing needs and times. And by community, I interpret this to mean where we live, where we work, our own family and relationships with others. We need to be aware of change and how to grow with the change.
In his conclusion, Doug reminds us that there will always be naysayers and that we need to remind these people "Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it." Be the doer, not the interrupter! Find something in your community that you are passionate about and give it all your might. Be a baton passer and a baton receiver! Keep your communities alive.
As I read the book, I held a loose context of what defines community. While most may read the book with the thought of community as the place they live, I considered "community" to be not only that but also my workplace, my friend circle, my family, the organizations I support, and the goals I want to achieve in my future. These "communities" are important to me and Doug's 13 ways are certainly applicable to all of them.
In Chapter 11 - Ignore Outsiders, Doug provides statistics regarding global access to proper sanitation, electricity and safe water supply, incidence of malnutrition, the right to vote, and the level of education attainment. We take all of this for granted in Canada and we must find ways to provide these basic necessities around the world.
Doug informs readers that immigrants to Canada have a high level of success even with the challenges they face (language barriers, different cultures, etc.). He reminds us that many of our great-grandparents did the same thing as current day immigrants. They came to a new place and built successful lives from almost nothing and have passed that success on to their descendants, us. However, we have become complacent and don't have the fortitude or ambition of our ancestors. He urges us to throw away the proverbial silver spoon and to become hungry for opportunity for ourselves.
This mention of complacency in Chapter 11 leads to Chapter 12 where Doug tells us that "success is not a sprint or a marathon, but a baton race that never ends." This comment hit me hard. As I am retiring in the not-so-distant future, it reminded me that while I have been successful at building a very capable team in my workplace, I have been complacent in ensuring that once I have left that they have ALL the tools needed to continue to succeed. I pride myself in educating and advocating for them and for providing them tools that enable them to seek answers. However, I find myself considering what I need to impart before I leave, what are the weak points, where do I need to do more. My focus has to be there for my final few months of work. I have to determine what continues the success of this incredible team and how I impart knowledge on my replacement.
In Chapter 12, Doug discusses how communities want to be sustainable but if you consider the definition as "something that endures and maintains into the future", he indicates that many communities have forgotten the key word "endures". If we are only sustainable, are we only achieving "status quo"? If we endure, we are ensuring future growth, diversity, and prosperity. Communities will adapt if they focus on "endurance". They should strive to be adaptive, progressive, and responsive to changing needs and times. And by community, I interpret this to mean where we live, where we work, our own family and relationships with others. We need to be aware of change and how to grow with the change.
In his conclusion, Doug reminds us that there will always be naysayers and that we need to remind these people "Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it." Be the doer, not the interrupter! Find something in your community that you are passionate about and give it all your might. Be a baton passer and a baton receiver! Keep your communities alive.
November 17, 2023
"13 Ways to Kill Your Community" by Doug Griffiths is a compelling and insightful read that delves into the dynamics that shape the prosperity or decline of a community. Griffiths, through a combination of wit and wisdom, offers a unique perspective on the factors that contribute to community success or failure.
One of the book's standout features is its accessible writing style. Griffiths effectively communicates complex concepts in a way that resonates with readers from various backgrounds. The use of real-world examples and anecdotes helps to illustrate key points, making the content relatable and engaging. This accessibility makes the book an excellent choice for community leaders, policymakers, and the general public alike.
The author's emphasis on personal responsibility is a refreshing take on community development. By outlining 13 common pitfalls, Griffiths challenges readers to reflect on their own communities and consider how they can contribute to positive change. The book serves as a valuable tool for fostering a sense of accountability among community members, encouraging them to actively participate in the betterment of their surroundings.
Additionally, Griffiths provides practical strategies for overcoming the identified challenges. This aspect of the book is particularly valuable, as it goes beyond merely highlighting problems and offers actionable solutions. The inclusion of tangible steps allows readers to translate the book's insights into concrete actions that can lead to positive community development.
While the title may suggest a focus on negativity, the underlying message is one of hope and empowerment. Griffiths does an admirable job of inspiring readers to recognize the potential within their communities and take the necessary steps to foster growth and resilience. By presenting both the pitfalls and the pathways to success, the author creates a balanced narrative that encourages proactive engagement.
In conclusion, "13 Ways to Kill Your Community" is a thought-provoking and accessible guide to community development. Doug Griffiths' unique approach, coupled with practical advice, makes this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in building stronger, more vibrant communities. While no community is perfect, Griffiths leaves readers with a sense of optimism and a roadmap for positive change.
One of the book's standout features is its accessible writing style. Griffiths effectively communicates complex concepts in a way that resonates with readers from various backgrounds. The use of real-world examples and anecdotes helps to illustrate key points, making the content relatable and engaging. This accessibility makes the book an excellent choice for community leaders, policymakers, and the general public alike.
The author's emphasis on personal responsibility is a refreshing take on community development. By outlining 13 common pitfalls, Griffiths challenges readers to reflect on their own communities and consider how they can contribute to positive change. The book serves as a valuable tool for fostering a sense of accountability among community members, encouraging them to actively participate in the betterment of their surroundings.
Additionally, Griffiths provides practical strategies for overcoming the identified challenges. This aspect of the book is particularly valuable, as it goes beyond merely highlighting problems and offers actionable solutions. The inclusion of tangible steps allows readers to translate the book's insights into concrete actions that can lead to positive community development.
While the title may suggest a focus on negativity, the underlying message is one of hope and empowerment. Griffiths does an admirable job of inspiring readers to recognize the potential within their communities and take the necessary steps to foster growth and resilience. By presenting both the pitfalls and the pathways to success, the author creates a balanced narrative that encourages proactive engagement.
In conclusion, "13 Ways to Kill Your Community" is a thought-provoking and accessible guide to community development. Doug Griffiths' unique approach, coupled with practical advice, makes this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in building stronger, more vibrant communities. While no community is perfect, Griffiths leaves readers with a sense of optimism and a roadmap for positive change.
February 10, 2021
I was introduced to this book at a conference, and as I live in a small town, I thought the topic fascinating. I read the book quickly and it definitely deserves a re-read. The presenter suggested doing this book as a discussion group covering two chapters every other week, and I am looking into offering this idea at our local library as my position is adult programmer. Here are some of the chapters: Ignore Outsiders, Ignore Your Seniors, Ignore Your Youth, and Reject Everything New. There are 13 chapters and each one is filled with practical advice with a heavy dose of sarcasm (which I found enjoyable). The author sees the beauty in small town communities which is why this book was written. To give people advice on how to make your community thrive and if it's having problem, some suggestions on how to fix them. One last thing to note, although this was written to help you not kill your community, many of the principals can be applied in the business world and in the church.
June 16, 2024
The book I needed that I didn't know I needed.
This book was handed to me by long-time friend and Executive Director of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Rose, right before the start of a recent city council meeting.
It couldn't have been a more timely gift as the council meeting revealed several of the points made in the book about what kills communities. Chapter one introduces "Team Angry" - a group I'm well acquainted with.
This book is engaging and brimming with real-world observations about how people and communities behave. The obvious hurdle in helping to engage community members in productive discourse on subjects from housing and climate change to economic development and regional cooperation is a shared knowledge of basic concepts. Jennifer and I now ponder how we induce others to read this book.
I was glad to be handed this book and benefitted enormously from reading it. It would be time well spent for any reader.
This book was handed to me by long-time friend and Executive Director of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Rose, right before the start of a recent city council meeting.
It couldn't have been a more timely gift as the council meeting revealed several of the points made in the book about what kills communities. Chapter one introduces "Team Angry" - a group I'm well acquainted with.
This book is engaging and brimming with real-world observations about how people and communities behave. The obvious hurdle in helping to engage community members in productive discourse on subjects from housing and climate change to economic development and regional cooperation is a shared knowledge of basic concepts. Jennifer and I now ponder how we induce others to read this book.
I was glad to be handed this book and benefitted enormously from reading it. It would be time well spent for any reader.
September 19, 2021
I've lived in small towns my whole life--my hometown is dying out and my current residence has an aging population. When our chamber of commerce announced it was consulting with Doug Griffiths, the library picked up several copies of his book for people to read. So I did.
There were several key things in this book that I'd managed to figure out on my own. Others were eye-opening. ALL of them are situations (e.g. people) I've encountered in my hometown and current town. Griffiths's research and results are encouraging and have the potential to truly be life changing if a community is willing to identify its weaknesses and make some changes.
I would definitely recommend this book to any community/village/township wanting to improve itself and adapt to the times. It really was a fascinating and encouraging book.
Rated G.
There were several key things in this book that I'd managed to figure out on my own. Others were eye-opening. ALL of them are situations (e.g. people) I've encountered in my hometown and current town. Griffiths's research and results are encouraging and have the potential to truly be life changing if a community is willing to identify its weaknesses and make some changes.
I would definitely recommend this book to any community/village/township wanting to improve itself and adapt to the times. It really was a fascinating and encouraging book.
Rated G.
June 1, 2024
I've been in the City Planning profession for 25 years now. Currently I work for a community where people (both residents and elected officials) are determined to do a combination of these 13 things. While the real-life examples in this book were both comical and disheartening, I didn't learn much about how myself, in my position, can do a whole lot to offset the issues caused by the ignorant and the stubborn. The takeaway for me is that my job is a thankless, uphill battle where everybody is battling because they all truly believe they know best. I'm on the cusp of burnout, and my job satisfaction is at an all time low. This book has me coming to terms with just how thankless jobs in local government can be.
April 18, 2020
Short, but Sweet read!💕
You know how one always says, "Don't judge a book by its cover," well, I believe I didn't do that with this book, but rather by its title ... its title is what made me want to read it. I borrowed this book from a friend who is working on her MPA. I love this book and would recommend it to others that want a "reverse psychology" vibe of what they are reading. The book was well written and very intriguing! Ifound that I kept wanting to read this book to the very end! "The cental purpose of this book is to point out the very real impact our attitudes have on success or failure of our communities and ourselves (pg. 53)."
You know how one always says, "Don't judge a book by its cover," well, I believe I didn't do that with this book, but rather by its title ... its title is what made me want to read it. I borrowed this book from a friend who is working on her MPA. I love this book and would recommend it to others that want a "reverse psychology" vibe of what they are reading. The book was well written and very intriguing! Ifound that I kept wanting to read this book to the very end! "The cental purpose of this book is to point out the very real impact our attitudes have on success or failure of our communities and ourselves (pg. 53)."
May 10, 2019
I had the opportunity to see Doug Griffiths present in Regina, SK for a conference. His particular topic was regarding technology and the speed it is advancing and how it is shaping our communities.
At the recommendation of town leadership I read this book. It gave me a better idea of not just the actions we can do to better a community, but of the dynamic of different kinds of individuals and how they consequently influence a community; for the good and the bad. There were many items that I did not realize the importance of. He is an engaging presenter.
At the recommendation of town leadership I read this book. It gave me a better idea of not just the actions we can do to better a community, but of the dynamic of different kinds of individuals and how they consequently influence a community; for the good and the bad. There were many items that I did not realize the importance of. He is an engaging presenter.
August 30, 2023
Great book for any community looking to stem the tide of crumbling infrastructure and tax base, job loss, school and hospital closings, crime, delinquency, drug use, apathy, and powerlessness. Thesis is that it is not up to the government to solve your town's problems (though it can help) but you and your neighbors.
Understand that Griffiths does consultancy work for municipalities throughout North America. Might be worth inviting Doug for a visit.
Understand that Griffiths does consultancy work for municipalities throughout North America. Might be worth inviting Doug for a visit.
January 8, 2026
Has lots of practical tips and tricks for local government leaders. I especially appreciate the applicability of this book's content to rural communities. Lots of books like these are tailor-made for those that work in huge organizations and large communities... not this one. To describe the book in one word: useful. My only critique is that it's a bit redundant and could have easily been "8 Ways"....
February 5, 2021
This isnt lofty literature but it isnt supposed to be. Simple, common sense diagnosis...authors do a good job of distilling common community problems into recognizable and digestible bites. BUT not much in the way of solutions when you have those community killers...but maybe that is the point. While the types of problem people may be universal, the solutions are local.
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January 5, 2023
Good book. Very insightful and interesting. Written in a way that is easy to follow and understand. Provides a unique lens about how to improve rural communities and why it's important. Cool as it's more than a rural story but can apply to all types of organizations and groups to improve their dynamics (ex. don't shun the young people/new joiners then be surprised when they're not engaged)
Read
January 23, 2025This book is a wonderful read for dreamers who believe in the potential of their communities. Doug Griffiths offers valuable insights into why many small communities struggle to thrive despite their desires to succeed. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share this book with the leaders in my town.
March 16, 2021
A quick read on ways to 'kill' your community including having a bad water system (Flint, MI), living in the past (many small towns), don't paint or fix up (cities), etc. This is a good book for board members and community leaders.
November 13, 2021
Very helpful! In the introduction he writes why he approaches the subject from a what-not-to-do perspective, but in a way I don't think its as effective in written format as it may have been in spoken. Helpful insights for all of life.
April 14, 2024
Entertaining read on how to (re)build your community, particularly small, rural North American communities. The concepts are not profound, but they are presented in a way that shakes you out of the status quo. The book is written to a wide audience versus being directed at government leaders.
September 8, 2024
I have a lot of great takeaways from this book. I do think there were gimmicky stories placed conveniently for the chapter, yet I don’t think the stories actually advanced the topic, more of a filler. I would have rather had more examples that included timelines and detailed steps.
March 18, 2017
Essential reading. Beware of the book's tendency, in some places, to assume people don't care.
February 6, 2018
Excellent book! If you're interested in helping your community, this is one of the books to read.
June 23, 2019
it may seem like common sense but its really not as common as it should be. If you want your community to thrive def give it a go
June 6, 2023
Well, the ideas are good but the negative writing style is lacking… hoping to get your attention. Water, business, youth, be honest, paint, cooperate, be open, responsible and welcome seniors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews