What is the first answer that people usually give when someone asks them what they think of when they hear the words “city employee?” Many times the answers are not flattering. Phrases like “lazy, wasters of taxpayer money, inexperienced, slow, sitting around on the job, dishonest, too political, and fake” can be heard from city to city across the country. …
Why did they send me here? I was speaking at an employee training a few weeks ago and during a round-table discussion one of the participants shared that when they were asked to attend the training their first thought was “oh my goodness, what am I doing wrong? Why did they send me to this training session?” In this day …
My Turf! In all of the years I have worked in Public Service, whether for the state as a college faculty member, administrator, or in city government, the one thing about leadership that continues to present itself time and time again is the need to protect one’s turf. Before my tenure as a public servant, I had the gift of …
Today’s leadership lesson: Understanding the tools in the toolbox. There is nothing like acquiring a new tool! Just ask Home Depot when I walk in the store! As a leader, we learn that our people are like tools in a toolbox. When we get a new tool or a new superstar in our midst that can help us accomplish our …
I teach and coach many leaders today on the concept of employee engagement. The one question that often comes is “how do I get my employees to follow my leadership?” There is no question that has been asked in leadership more often than how to get employees to either do what you tell them, or follow your leadership. A good …
