What Keeps Local Government Leaders in Their Roles?

SGR’s 10 in 10 Note – October 23, 2024

Drive vs. Determination | Commitment vs. Confidence | Purpose vs. Positivity

At one time or another, most of us have asked the question, “Why do I do this job?”

Almost anyone who has served in a leadership position in local government can relate. It may be a tense interaction with a citizen or citizens, disagreements between council or board members, employee issues, funding problems, someone on your staff messed up or didn’t mess up but everyone insists they did, crazy rumors, social media, traditional media, or wickedest of all, hard truths.

This is a high pressure, intense career choice—one where circumstances and environment can change quickly—and where much of it is beyond our control. In short, you’re charged with driving the bus, but you’re not always allowed in the driver’s seat. You knew this when you got into the local government business. But it’s doubtful that many of you realized the extent of the toll the job would take.

Read the rest of the commentary

From This Week's 10 in 10

The New Way of Driving Innovation for Local Governments

While entrepreneurship is associated with the private sector, the public sector is now driving innovation, utilizing emerging technologies and forming key partnerships to drive change and create better societies.

Mistakes happen. This is how to reframe getting called out for them

Why is it so difficult for us to accept even gentle guidance to improve our learning style, business performance, or personal character?

Exploring AI Applications in City Government: The Promise and the Risks

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the landscape of work and local governments are by no means exempt. Cities, towns, and villages can harness the power of AI to draft resolutions, create social media content, summarize information for constituents, improve data-driven decision-making, and more. However, not all municipal applications are suitable for AI, and not all AI technologies are appropriate for government use.

Featured Open Recruitments This Week

Executive Director of Planning & Development Services - Mansfield, TX

Director of Engineering and Public Works - Brownsville, TX

Human Resources Director - Newport, OR

Check out all of SGR’s Executive Recruitments and share them with anyone in your network who might be looking for their next opportunity.  

SGR is thrilled to announce the return of our widely acclaimed Wednesday Webinars. Our next Wednesday Webinar is today (October 23) at 11 a.m. CDT.

Each week we'll explore a new topic. We hope you'll join us for a journey of discovery and learning. Don't forget, the Wednesday Webinars are free and open to everyone.

Join us as Marcel Brunel and Dan Newby, Co-authors discuss their book "Dignity in Policing". In policing, emotions have historically been overlooked in favor of other learning and development areas, but as the role of first responders evolves, there's a growing recognition that emotional literacy is essential for their professional competence. Research indicates that life satisfaction amidst trauma hinges more on navigating experiences than the number of events encountered. The current challenges in policing, like understaffing and societal unrest, stem from past decisions and limited tools. Dignity in Policing advocates for understanding emotions as a tool for decision-making, problem-solving, and relationship-building. It emphasizes the individual responsibility of first responders in maintaining emotional balance throughout their careers and highlights the importance of dignity in self-care and establishing one's place in the world.

SGR Job Board

The SGR Job Board is the second-largest local government job board in the nation and boasts more than 16,000 visitors every month. Whether you’re actively looking for a new position or just keeping an eye on the market, the SGR Job Board is a resource you don’t want to miss. Be sure to register for email updates.

Read the entire 10 in 10 online.