The very first edition of Effective Supervisory Practices was printed over 50 years ago. That was a time when offices still had ashtrays and typing pools, strict hierarchies were in place, and no one had ever heard of email. Almost everything has changed since 1974, but supervisors are still expected to know how to hire, train, and communicate effectively. Local government has undergone massive technological, legal, and social changes. These shifts demand that today's supervisors possess an entirely new set of knowledge and skills.  

In the latest version of Effective Supervisory Practices, edited by Michelle Poche Flaherty, a group of proven local government leaders was assembled to offer a textbook of core competencies and experience-based lessons designed to educate and inspire local government leaders with those challenges in mind. Now, ICMA is offering a training series that will provide access to the book's editor, authors, and other local government leaders.   
 

Why Supervisory Leadership Matters More Than Ever

The role of a supervisor in local government is more complex and dynamic than ever before. The pandemic, economic shifts, social unrest, and the escalating effects of climate change have profoundly altered our organizations. In our current environment, the role goes far beyond overseeing daily operations. Supervisors are tasked with inspiring their teams, tapping into their collective potential, and motivating them to bring their full selves to work each day. This means leveraging not just their intellectual abilities but also their diverse backgrounds and personal experiences.   

Effective supervisory leadership requires more than technical expertise alone. It demands empathy, vision, and the ability to guide your team through uncertainty and change. By encouraging your team to tap into their full potential, you create an environment where resilience, creativity, and innovation can flourish, making it possible to overcome even the most challenging obstacles.   
 

The Fundamentals of Effective Supervisory Leadership

Effective Supervisory Practices, as a textbook and a training course, offers timeless wisdom while incorporating the modern leadership principles crucial in our current local government environment. The book covers essential skills such as:  

Hiring and Training: Building teams that can handle present challenges and adapt to future shifts requires a strategic approach to recruitment and training.   

• Managing a Budget: In an era of economic uncertainty, financial management remains critical. Supervisors must be able to allocate resources effectively, balancing day-to-day needs with long-term goals.
• Leveraging Data and Technology: Technology has rapidly transformed the way local governments function. Supervisors must harness data and digital tools to make informed decisions and improve service delivery.
• Serving Residents and Placemaking: At its core, local government is about service to the community. Supervisors must balance this service with a vision for placemaking, creating vibrant and resilient communities.
• Public Speaking and Communication: Effective communication is essential now more than ever. Clear, empathetic communication builds trust and fosters collaboration whether you are addressing your team or the public.  

These practices are framed by the ICMA Code of Ethics, reinforcing the importance of integrity, accountability, and a commitment to public service. Supervisors today are called not just to manage, but to lead with purpose, inspire innovation, and build stronger teams that are equipped to tackle complex problems.  
 

Top Three Tips for New Supervisors

1. Build trust: you can never have enough.
2. Invest in relationships: nothing lasting is done alone.
3. Find a mentor: even the most seasoned pros need guidance through difficult and new situations.
4. Bonus tip: to help with all of these practices, listen more than you talk. 
    

Training and Resources for Supervisory Leaders

To support the development of supervisory leaders, ICMA offers a training series. Many of the Effective Supervisory Practices book authors lead these courses, joined by other local government leaders you may recognize from ICMA conference sessions. The training series is designed to build skills while addressing the complexities and challenges of leading and inspiring today's public servants.  

From public works to parks and recreation, every supervisor will receive practical guidance on managing employee performance, budgeting, and more. In addition, leadership insights will help you motivate your team, inspire innovation, build stronger teamwork, and cultivate resilience.  

Now is the time to invest in your career and your team. ICMA's Effective Supervisory Practices online training series is back, starting in April 2025. This six-session course will equip you with insights every supervisor needs to lead with confidence in the local government space.

REGISTER NOW  

About the Author

Marylou Berg is a consultant with over 25 years of local government experience. As a former assistant city manager in Rockville, Maryland, she has built a strong reputation in executive management, community engagement, team leadership, and communications. Berg brings a deep understanding of local government operations, offering expertise in navigating complex challenges and driving positive outcomes for communities and organizations. She is also a presenter for ICMA's Effective Supervisory Practices course.