Coming into an organization as a new leader can be difficult, especially when a culture of distrust and abandonment is the underlying sentiment. How do you reset expectations and build a culture of accountability, commitment, and excellence? Especially when a culture believes nothing will ever change, an organization becomes lethargic and unwilling to embrace risk or new ideas, and the underlying mantra is, “We’ve tried that before, so it won’t work.” To achieve new objectives and respond to the ever-changing needs of a growing and complex city, leaders must be willing to operate in a space of discomfort and drive change by challenging rigid bureaucracy, modeling accountability behaviors, and providing the framework for employees to thrive. This session will allow participants to see how a leadership team has begun to undertake this journey of change in an organization that has had 11 public works directors over 15 years.
After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Identify and assess barriers in their organization preventing growth and risk-taking in employee and department development.
• Recognize how a focused leadership philosophy and framework for implementation assists in changing a culture.
• Develop strategies for engagement that can alter attitudes and move an organization to action.
Contributor/Source
Aaron Bert-Public Works Director, Chris Stenger-Deputy Public Works Director
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Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
Public Works Radio Podcast
Public Works Radio is the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), bringing the stories behind our communities to life. This podcast shines a spotlight on the people and projects that keep our cities running—humanizing the work and the professionals who make it happen. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
Virtual Program
Virtual programs are live, interactive educational programs led by top experts in the field who provide timely information or address trending topics within an area. Programs often conclude with an open forum for Q&A.