What Part of Your Management Position Is Your Absolute Favorite?
Harry Black
City Manager
Cincinnati, Ohio
It never ceases to amaze me what dedicated employees will and can accomplish when empowered to do so.
My most satisfying moments tend to be those when a team member's success exceeds what he or she believed was possible. In these moments of surprise and pride, I feel I have contributed in some small way in making a positive difference for our city as well as for the team, or team member, involved.
These times reinforce one of my management mantras: "Put the right people in the right places, give them what they need to be successful, remove roadblocks, and get out of the way."
Teresa Tieman, ICMA-CM
Town Manager
Fenwick Island, Delaware
Effecting lasting positive change in a community is my absolute favorite part of being in municipal management.
About five years ago, I went to work as a city manager in Harrington, Delaware, a small community of approximately 3,500 residents. There, I was able to install new water meters and set up fair-usage billing versus a flat charge.
This change also led to better management of environmental resources and extended capacity of wells, water lines, and a water tower. The types of projects that effect lasting positive change can also be stressful, but they are usually the most rewarding. Knowing that I have left a community better off for the future gives me great satisfaction.
Michael Kovacs
City Manager
Fate, Texas
mkovacs@cityoffate.com
The teaching component of the manager's position is my favorite part. The time taken during day-to-day interactions, whether with staff, councilmembers, residents, or other peers, is worth spending.
Passing on knowledge and approaches is more than just communicating information. We all can mentor and lead in whatever role we're in, and we can ensure that the lessons we've learned can be passed on to others for the betterment of our local government organizations and our communities.
Our employees long for, and love, our attention. They want to know why we are doing certain things and that their roles in the organization matter. Teaching is the best part of my position.
Kathryn Schauf, ICMA-CM
County Manager
Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
Kathryn.schauf@co.eau-claire.wi.us
The communities we as local government leaders serve are comprised of a complex infrastructure that covers everything from public works to social service programs. Effective management for this diverse array of service takes multiple disciplines and viewpoints.
Convening work groups to solve problematic issues has become a key activity of managers. It is also an opportunity to look for connectedness and strategically think about our shared future.
Learning occurs daily, with no one day being the same as the next. Constant exposure to new ideas provides the platform for our governmental operations to adapt to and develop a sustainable future for our communities, bringing people together to work on complex issues and find resolution.
New, Reduced Membership Dues
A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!
