The 2016 Kickoff List for Local Government Leaders is your answer for a successful new year. When you are setting your team goals, it’s important to know the challenges and changes ahead in local government. With the Workforce of Tomorrow report, you’ll be able to reinvent human resources, revamp antiquated policies and practices, build a brand, focus on talent management, leadership development and succession planning, create a culture, and leverage technology and data.

Next, make it a priority to be a top leader and also build leaders in the workforce in 2016. Read The Five Qualities of Collaborative Leaders – and How Communities Benefit and develop collaborative strategies from managers who’ve been there when the challenges arise.

As you start to focus on the department and the roles people play on your team, use the collection of 78 job descriptions to fill any of the holes you may have.

Once you have your team in place, build your relationship with your staff. In The Fine Art of Managing Relationships report, current and retired city managers, county executives, and directors share their stories, insights, and tough lessons learned on relationship building. This report discusses why the manager’s relationships are important to their effectiveness in the workplace and in the community, what actions build trust and what actions diminish trust, and how to learn and practice the skills that improve and solidify good relationships.

Finally, if you and your staff are not already taking advantage of the leadership and professional development programs available, it is important to note that they provide a wide range of opportunities to gain and improve knowledge and skills important to your position and performance in local government. Take the next step in enhancing your leadership and management skills in 2016 by downloading the new Career Stage Guide Checklist to track your completion of leadership and professional development programs.

Five ways to lead yourself, your team, and community to great success in 2016:

1. 6 Strategies to Build the Local Government Workforce of Tomorrow
2. The Five Qualities of Collaborative Leaders – and How Communities Benefit
3. 78 Job Descriptions for Hiring Excellent Local Government Leaders
4. The Fine Art of Managing Relationships
5. Career Stage Guide Checklist