Managing local government is complex and challenging. That’s why we choose it and love it. In the years ahead, the complexities we work with every day will only multiply, which is an intriguing proposition.

No matter what size local government we work in, we will continue to deliver an incredibly diverse array of services on a 24/7 basis. In a globalized world, we will all need to work hard to keep our communities competitive.

We now understand that our residents and our staff want to be more involved in the conversation about our business and our communities’ futures. That alone has added new dimensions to a manager’s work, but combined with ever-growing expectations for transparency, we as leaders need to expand our skill sets.

It Will Storm

Many factors beyond our control can affect our communities, from the economy to other levels of government to extreme weather patterns. What is within our span of influence are people, money, and technology.

While the latter two are significant enablers, it is people who will transform our organizations. The best way to expand our capacity is by better empowering staff members to respond to change and strive for innovation.

There are four key areas of work with staff. First, we need to ensure our efforts are aligned to strategy. When a council outlines a vision, all the work that staff does should be directed toward bringing that vision to life.

Second is delivering our day-to-day services in the most efficient, effective way possible. We earn the freedom to innovate by earning the councils’ trust.

Third is working hard to keep the lines of communication open with employees. They need to understand the organization’s direction in order to make smart decisions in their work. Communication is the life blood of an organization.

Mobilize

Finally, and most importantly, is building a culture that fosters creativity and innovation. Shared values keep the individuals in an organization moving forward together. Staff members need to understand they have permission to act responsibility and to be clear on their accountability.

Cities, towns, and counties are the economic engines of a country—its personality to the world and the centers of creativity and innovation. Our call to action, as local government managers, is to mobilize staff to meet the opportunities for change and growth that lie ahead.