Elevating Organizational Culture: From Rules to Standards
As local government organizations struggle evolve, there comes a point where moving beyond the rigid structure of rules and regulations becomes necessary to foster a more dynamic and proactive workplace. This evolution involves setting higher standards and clear expectations that will lead to necessary compliance across all departments consistently. Here’s how leaders can navigate this […]
Success Story: City of Heath’s Leadership Team Development
In an era where leadership and teamwork are pivotal to organizational success, the City of Heath’s leadership team, under the stewardship of City Manager Aretha Adams, embarked on a transformative journey in late 2023. The Leadership Team Development story culminated with a distinctive leadership retreat. This turning point significantly enhanced the team’s cohesion, trust, and […]
In a conversation I had last week with Jay Gsell, he posed a compelling question about Local Government Leadership: “What has scared you into inertia?” Jay Gsell, Retired County Manager, Genesee County, New York This may not directly apply to all local governments, but I have seen my share of Cities and Counties that struggle […]
A Guide for Senior Executives In the intricate dance of local government leadership, city managers, county administrators, and their executive teams stand at the critical nexus between visionary change and the steadfast values of public service. As architects of community destiny and custodians of public trust, they navigate a landscape where innovation intersects with tradition, […]
Enhancing Leadership and Internal Promotion in Local Government
In the intricate landscape of local government, the dynamics of leadership development and internal promotion stand as cornerstones for organizational success. The essence of leadership in this realm is not merely about managing tasks but nurturing the growth of individuals and the community as a whole. Drawing from the comprehensive studies of the International Customer […]
In our previous exploration of The Isolated Leader, we delved into the profound challenges faced by the dedicated and often isolated Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) in Local Government. We highlighted their isolation and the unique mental, emotional, and physical toll it takes. After reading the article, an insightful perspective was shared by Phil Smith-Hanes, Saline […]
The Transformative Impact of Positive Intent in the Workplace
An Important Addition to the Toolbox Used for Developing Empathy In our diverse and multifaceted work settings, it’s common for misunderstandings to surface, creating strains between team members. What if I told you there’s a powerful mindset we can adopt, one that shifts these dynamics? Enter: assuming positive intent. This mindset isn’t just about mere […]
City Managers and County Administrators often traverse a lonely path amidst a crowd. In the intricate landscape of local governance, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) play a pivotal role. Entrusted with the welfare and progress of their communities, these leaders often find themselves shouldering immense responsibilities, yet walking a solitary path. Over the past three years, […]
The Power of Empathy: Three Reasons it is Considered a Key Leadership Attribute
In the dynamic landscape of leadership, one quality stands out as indispensable: empathy. Often regarded as a soft skill, empathy holds the power to transform relationships, enhance team dynamics, and drive organizational success. Let’s explore three compelling reasons why empathy is a crucial leadership attribute, then we will address the common query: Can empathy be […]
Imagine That Celebrates Natasha Hampton’s New Role as Cincinnati Assistant City Manager
Tampa, FL – 10/5/2023 – Imagine That Performance, a consultancy firm dedicated to enhancing executive performance, proudly announces that our esteemed Senior Consultant, Natasha Hampton, has accepted the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Cincinnati. With a career that spans over two decades, Dr. Hampton has been an invaluable asset to Imagine […]
Local government leaders are typically individuals who have risen through the ranks based on their technical expertise and experience in their respective fields. While technical proficiency at the department head level is rarely a problem in local government, it’s where most training resources are focused. Adequate leadership development for higher levels of authority can be […]
Commitment to Succession Planning: A Case Study “All City Manager tenures come to an end. Will you be told to leave or choose the right time to get out of the way?” Rob Duncan, Managing Director of Imagine That Performance Identifying and Supporting Future Leaders Here is the scene. I have been assigned by the […]
