Survey closes Friday, October 24.

In this issue of Career Compass, Dr. Benest kickstarts our leadership journey in 14 steps.

If you, like me, believe in this profession, it makes sense to ensure that our communities understand and value how professional management and leadership can help make communities better places to live; and to want to ensure that a career in professional management continues to attract bright, caring people.

Robert "Bob" Morris join ICMA in 1947, has attended 54 ICMA Annual Conferences, served on ICMA's staff, served as an ICMA vice president, and has received the Distinguished Service Award. Morris also spent much of his career teaching, mentoring, and training young professionals for careers in local government management.

ICMA’s regional summits, usually held during the spring months each year, just keep getting better, and this year’s “TED Talk” format may have been the best yet.

In his most recent column for Governing.com, Bob O'Neill discusses how today's government leaders are building on work that began decades ago as they deploy modern, data-driven tools for public-sector efficiency.

A self-described “somewhat-typical” millennial, Kridler is a management assistant for Dublin, Ohio. "I cannot speak for all local government professionals my age, but I've found that organizational values that help to attract, maintain, and nurture our generation include a team environment, employee development, citizen interaction, and creativity."

Career and leadership begins with encouragement and mentorship from a number of people.