In this episode of our APMM series, we dive into the evolving world of local government leadership. I'm thrilled to be joined by three distinguished guests: Tom Fountaine, George Needles, and Dave Kratzer. Together, they bring decades of experience and deep insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping municipal management today.

In our conversation, we cover:

• The growing complexity of public expectations and the rise of instant communication in the digital age.

• Navigating governance challenges, from polarization to the need for greater professionalization in local government.

• The competition for talent and what it means for the future of the profession.

• And finally the need to Advocate for statutory protections and employment agreements to ensure stability and address leadership volatility.

Whether you’re a municipal manager, elected official, or someone curious about the dynamics of local governance, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, adaptability, and the profession’s future.

APMM Website (Upcoming Executive Conference Info)

APMM LinkedIN

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Tom Fountaine

David Kratzer Jr

George Needles

Duration of Employment Agreements (Starting: [00:00:00])

• "The limitation in the statute that doesn't allow local municipalities to make their own decisions about that issue is not a good statute...those decisions should be made by local governing bodies." - Tom

Increased Interaction with Elected Officials (Starting: [00:03:00])

• "I probably spend more time today working directly with elected officials, communicating with elected officials, attending meetings with elected officials...than I did when I started in this career." - Tom

Impact of Polarization and Social Media (Starting: [00:04:00])

• "The polarization of the world has really made this work much different than it used to be 20 or 30 years ago." - Tom

Evolving Public Expectations (Starting: [00:07:00])

• "People consume communication so many different ways now that there is an expectation that we can deliver in their way that they can consume and we can deliver that very quickly." - George

Faster Information Flow (Starting: [00:09:00])

• "With quicker access to information...it puts more importance on making sure that those charged with governance, the elected officials, are aware of that information before it becomes generally available." - Dave

The Competition for Talent (Starting: [00:12:00])

• "Competition for talent...is not only a function of competition within the sector but also other opportunities that may present for those that have functioned well in this position." - Dave

Standardization Challenges in Pennsylvania Governance (Starting: [00:16:00])

• "We operate under codes, right? But we're not highly standardized...No two [local governments] are similar." - George

Governance Fragmentation and Managerial...

Today we explore how adaptive thinking, emotional intelligence, and innovative frameworks like the OODA loop and Cynefin transform problem-solving are impacting policing. Lou Hayes Jr., a detective sergeant, and complexity facilitator Gary Wong share insights on navigating uncertainty, fostering trust, and rethinking traditional approaches to leadership. Perfect for leaders, law enforcement professionals, and anyone tackling complex challenges.

Nancy Hess, Host of PCC Local Time

Lou Hayes , Jr. (LinkedIn)

• The Illinois Model

Gary Wong (LinkedIn)

• Welcome to My Brain

IDEAS/ RESOURCES MENTIONS IN SHOW:

John Boyds OODA Loop

 Dr. Gary Klein's work on recognition, prime decision making

A Leader’s Framework for Decisionmaking (HBR Article co-authored by Dave Snowden)

[00:09:00] Adaptive Thinking in Policing

Lou emphasizes the need for adaptive thinking in policing, focusing on reframing problems, understanding complex dynamics, and utilizing frameworks like the OODA loop to navigate evolving situations.

Quotes:

• Lou: "In policing, you rarely encounter situations that fit into neat, predefined boxes. You need tools and frameworks that adapt in real-time to the chaos around you."
• Gary: "The transition from seeing things as 'either-or' to 'both-and' opens up creative, novel solutions that weren't initially apparent."

[00:18:00]The Role of Storytelling and Emotional Intelligence

Storytelling and emotional intelligence are highlighted as critical tools for decision-making, team building, and understanding diverse perspectives in policing.

Quotes:

• Lou: "Storytelling builds a bank of experiences we can draw from, helping us navigate new and complex situations with confidence."
• Gary: "Emotional intelligence isn't just about managing emotions but also about fostering environments where diverse perspectives come together effectively."

[00:33:00]The Intersection of Policy and Complexity

Lou and Gary discuss the limitations of rigid, policy-driven approaches in addressing complex policing scenarios. They advocate for more flexible policies that acknowledge and adapt to complexity.

Quotes:

• Lou: "Policies need to balance structure with flexibility, allowing officers to navigate both ordered and chaotic situations effectively."
• Gary: "The challenge isn't micromanagement; it's misapplied micromanagement in contexts where creativity and flexibility are required."

In this episode, I sit down with Yaron Prywes, a coaching psychologist, executive coach, and educator whose career has been dedicated to helping leaders and teams reach their full potential. We explore the transformative power of coaching—how it builds trust, unlocks self-awareness, and helps leaders navigate challenges in both public and private sectors. From resolving conflicts to fostering accountability, Yaron shares practical tools and stories that illustrate the impact of coaching. Whether you're a leader or a team member, this conversation offers valuable insights into how coaching can create meaningful change.

Yaron Prywes is a coaching psychologist, executive coach, and educator known for his innovative, visual approach to coaching. His work on visual action plans has been published in The Philosophy of Coaching: An International Journal, and he is currently authoring The Visual Coaching Handbook, which features a collection of creative, field-tested techniques. Yaron has led research on the outcomes of coaching and leadership development initiatives and previously taught Executive Coaching at Columbia University, where he supervised new coaches as they worked with live clients for the first time.

LINKEDIN

[00:00:00] Introduction and Background

• Nancy introduces Yaron, sharing the story of how they met and his dedication to coaching.

[00:03:21] Yaron’s First Experience with Coaching

• Yaron recounts his first encounter with a career coach and how it set him on his path to coaching.

[00:04:53] Sports Coaching and Workplace Coaching

• The parallels between sports coaching and executive coaching, focusing on performance adjustments.

[00:06:50] Whole-Person Coaching

• Yaron explains the importance of seeing clients as whole individuals and how personal and professional challenges intersect.

[00:08:37] Common Scenarios for Coaching in Organizations

• Typical contexts in which coaching is introduced, particularly in public sector organizations.

[00:09:24] Case Study: Hard-Charging Leader

• A story about coaching a CFO with black-and-white thinking and the importance of diplomacy.

[00:12:40] Team Workshops Using the NBI Tool

• Yaron describes the Neethling Brain Instrument (NBI) and how it helps teams understand communication styles.

[00:17:54] 360-Degree Feedback for Leaders

• The value of 360 feedback in developing leaders and creating self-awareness.

[00:22:40] Building Agency and Accountability in Teams

• Coaching to empower teams to take ownership of challenges and build accountability.

[00:29:33] Dealing with Workplace Conflict

• A case study on resolving conflict in a utilities department through coaching and team-building exercises.

[00:32:55] Transformative Conversations and Trust

• How sharing personal highs and lows can transform team dynamics and build trust.

[00:36:44] Leadership’s Role in Creating Safe Spaces

• The importance of leaders creating safe environments to surface and address issues before they escalate.

[00:39:32] The Structure of a Coaching Engagement

• Yaron outlines the typical phases of coaching: discovery, planning, and execution.

[00:42:19] Coaching as a Hero’s...

Larry Comunale is a seasoned municipal manager whose career has spanned decades of challenges, growth, and impact. In this episode, Larry reflects on his journey from rigid labor negotiations to fostering trust-based relationships and community cohesion. He shares invaluable insights into navigating relationships with elected officials, building transparent budgeting processes, and addressing the evolving needs of diverse communities. From his practical strategies for productive conversations to his reflections on the role of community in public health, Larry's stories are both inspiring and thought-provoking. Join us as we explore the enduring lessons of leadership in local government through Larry’s eyes.

Learn more about Larry's career from the Villanova University website HERE [Excerpt below]

Larry Comunale completed a 42-year career in municipal management in 2016 when he retired as the Township Manager of Lower Gwynedd Township in April of 2016. During his career, he was the manager in three municipalities: East Stroudsburg Borough; Newtown Township (Delaware County); and Lower Gwynedd Township. Larry has been an Adjunct Faculty member in Villanova’s MPA Program since 2004 and is also an Adjunct Faculty member at Delaware Valley University in the Master of Public Policy (MPP) Program. He has served as Executive Director of the Montgomery County Association of Township Officials (MCATO). Larry is a past President of the Pennsylvania Municipal Managers Association and received the President’s Leadership Award from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) in 2006. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s of Public Administration degree from Penn State University.

Connect with Association for Pennsylvania Municpal Management on LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Introduction to Larry Comunale and His Career

• Overview of Larry's career, his leadership roles, and his approach to municipal management.

[00:01:10] Early Career Challenges in Municipal Management

• Larry discusses transitioning from an engineer-focused management style to a generalist approach that emphasized human relations and labor relations.

[00:05:00] Evolving Perspectives on Labor Relations

• Larry reflects on his confrontational approach to union negotiations early in his career and how he shifted toward a more conciliatory and trust-based strategy.

[00:10:44] Transparency and Accessibility in Budgeting

• Larry emphasizes the importance of creating understandable budgets and using them as tools for community engagement.

[00:15:30] Navigating Relationships with Elected Officials

• Insights on maintaining open communication while setting boundaries between board members and municipal staff.

[00:22:00] Recruitment and Retention Challenges in Local Government

• Discussion on the shrinking pool of qualified candidates and the complexities of relocating for municipal roles.

[00:30:00] Community Cohesion and the Manager’s...

Board transitions can bring about hand wringing or a promise of welcome change, they may feel like a small shift or a seismic one. But at root, there are fundamental lessons to be learned if you, as the executive leader or manager, are going through one for the first time.

On today's show, we welcome Sara Gibson, Borough Manager at Camp Hill Borough, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and Scott Hutt, Assistant Manager of Hatfield Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Though the size and structure of the governments they manage differ, they both bring a wealth of knowledge about the core elements of effective onboarding.

Today we talk about the importance of patience and open communication, a structured onboarding process that also encourages mentorship and an ongoing need to balance change while preserving the core values of local government.

We hope you enjoy!

Sara Gibson has served as Manager of Camp Hill Borough for the past three years, driving progress on strategic initiatives like pedestrian connectivity, zoning updates, sewage and stormwater planning, and downtown development. Under her leadership, the Borough adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2023 through the DEP Local Climate Action program. Sara has championed environmental efforts, including the innovative StormFest public outreach event and the establishment of a Sustainability Committee. Camp Hill also participates in Bee City USA, Tree City USA, Bird Town Pennsylvania, and SolSmart programs, with Sara and her team securing grants and technical assistance to bolster these initiatives.

[00:01:10] Importance of Board Transitions in Shaping Organizational Life

• Sara reflects on her first experiences with board transitions and the challenges of being a professional manager.

[00:05:07] Onboarding New Board Members

• Scott shares his first experience with onboarding and the importance of structured, effective processes.

[00:06:21] Structuring the Onboarding Process

• Detailed explanation of onboarding approaches, including educational seminars with consultants and department heads.

[00:07:45] Building Personal Connections with Board Members

• Sara emphasizes the significance of developing personal connections and understanding board members' backgrounds.

[00:10:44] Quality Interactions Between Board Members and Staff

• Discussion on fostering trust and ensuring productive interactions through community events and informal gatherings.

[00:12:45] Setting Boundaries and Roles for Effective Governance

• Scott elaborates on defining roles and staying in lanes for efficient operations and collaboration.

[00:17:30] Community Events and Relationship Building

• Sara and Scott discuss the role of community events in creating stronger bonds among board members, staff, and the public.

[00:23:00] Navigating Difficult Transitions and Conflicts

• Nancy and Scott explore managing transitions

How many of us feel overwhelmed by the amount of information coming at us about AI today?

One of my best thought partners on the topic of AI is Joe Mench, Assistant Manager at Muhlenberg Township in Berks County Pennsylvania. He is truly boots on the ground at the local government level and this conversation is a starting point for thinking about AI today in our organizations.

We delve into the practical applications of AI for local governments, discussing both the opportunities and challenges. Joe Mench shares his insights on how AI can enhance municipal operations, from improving customer service to predictive analytics for public safety. The conversation highlights the importance of ethical use, transparency, and developing internal policies to guide AI's responsible implementation. The episode also touches on the future of AI in areas such as public works and organizational learning, stressing the need for clear guidelines and cautious optimism. It’s a must-listen for local government leaders interested in leveraging AI to improve services while being mindful of ethical considerations and community trust.

Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania

[00:00:00] Introduction to AI Tools and Optimism

Joe encourages trying out AI tools before forming an opinion. He emphasizes that AI is a powerful tool that’s not as intimidating or omnipotent as some perceive.

[00:09:53] Practical Use Cases of AI in Local Government

Discussion on AI applications such as customer service improvements, predictive analytics for infrastructure, and operational efficiencies (e.g., waste management, public safety).

[00:13:07] AI in Law Enforcement for Body Cam Analysis

The use of AI to review body cam footage for good policing practices, improving morale by highlighting positive behavior, and potentially identifying areas for officer development.

[00:16:21] AI as a Tool for Organizational Learning

AI's potential to build internal knowledge libraries for custom learning and professional development within local governments.

[00:18:38] The Concept of AI as an Executive Assistant

How AI can act like an executive assistant, offering data-driven suggestions to facilitate decision-making, while still requiring human validation for accuracy.

[00:20:07] Building AI Chatbots for Resident Interaction

Development of AI chatbots to provide better and more responsive service to residents, moving beyond keyword recognition to more natural, interactive conversations.

[00:28:38] Vendor Accountability and Policy Development

Key considerations when implementing AI solutions, such as asking vendors critical questions about data security and transparency, as well as forming responsible AI policies.

[00:39:00] Addressing Ethical Considerations and Transparency

Conversations about ethical implications, such as ensuring fairness, addressing the digital divide, and maintaining transparency with citizens on data usage.

[00:46:39] AI’s Role in Public Works and Infrastructure

AI applications in monitoring and planning infrastructure needs (e.g., road maintenance, leaf collection), optimizing operational efficiency in public works.

Have you ever thought about capturing your ideas in a book, a TED Talk, or maybe a blog? Perhaps you have a story to tell, expertise to share, or ideas that pile up but never quite come together in a cohesive way. If this sounds like you, stay tuned.

In this episode, Emily Crookston explains why even experienced writers might hire a ghostwriter. She shares how ghostwriting is not just about putting words on paper; it’s about collaboration, shaping ideas, and helping clients clearly communicate their expertise. Whether you’re thinking about writing a book, creating LinkedIn content, or simply sharing your knowledge in any format, this episode will show you how a ghostwriter can bring your ideas to life and make the process less overwhelming.

Emily Crookston is a best-selling business book ghostwriter, author, and developmental editor. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs and consultants build their businesses by writing a book that sells. As the Owner of The Pocket PhD, she and her team create and execute pre-launch strategies for self-published business book authors to align your thought leadership content, increase your sphere of influence, and prime your audience for the book. Her first book, Unwritten: The Thought Leader’s Guide to Not Overthinking Your Business Book, launches on October 1, 2024.

Emily is also a former philosophy professor, speaker, and podcast guest. When she’s not writing intensely, she’s most likely practicing yoga intensely. She lives for desserts topped with *real* whipped cream.

Find Emily on LinkedIN

Check out Emily's book, UNWRITTEN

[00:03:33] Why Hire a Ghostwriter?

[00:04:10] The Role of a Ghostwriter in Shaping Ideas

[00:06:00] Collaborative Writing and Developmental Editing

[00:06:47] The Importance of Audience and Translation of Expertise

[00:07:14] The Process of Ghostwriting

[00:09:21] Publishing Options and Self-Publishing

[00:18:33] The Rising Role of Books in Professional Branding

[00:19:48] Writing for Different Formats

[00:27:42] Why Some People Struggle with Writing

[00:29:19] Final Tips on the Writing Process

In this episode, we explore the multi-faceted career of Crandall Jones, a seasoned City Manager. His is not a predictable story, but one with many twists and turns. Crandall opens up about the challenges that impacted his big decisions.

Crandall is currently the Chief Administrative Officer at Upper Darby Township in Delaware County Pennsylvania. He previously served as CAO in Norristown, Pennsylvania in Montgomery County. In addition to serving as an adjunct at Villanova University, he serves on the Board of the APPM.

This episode is particularly valuable for those considering a career in city management or a new opportunity in the field of local government.

The APMM series highlights the many layers and aspects of local government work. Be sure to check out the links to APMM and visit us at the upcoming ICMA conference in Pittsburgh!

Follow Crandall Jones on LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Introduction and Crandall’s Background

• Nancy introduces Crandall and the focus of the episode on his career in city management.

[00:01:51] The Unique Arc of a City Management Career

• Crandall discusses how each city management career is unique and shaped by personal choices and challenges.

[00:04:00] Early Inspiration in Political Science

• Crandall shares how a high school political science course sparked his interest in local government.

[00:07:01] Lessons from Savannah: The Importance of Planning

• Crandall reflects on his time in Savannah, where he learned the value of big-picture thinking and community engagement.

[00:13:15] Transition to City Management

• Crandall talks about his move from economic development to city management and the challenges he faced.

[00:19:38] The Role of Mentorship

• Crandall emphasizes the importance of mentorship in his career and how it helped shape his path in city management.

[00:26:10] Navigating Race-related Issues

• Crandall discusses his experiences managing in diverse communities and the challenges of navigating race-related issues.

[00:34:09] The Importance of Building Strong Teams

• Crandall shares insights on the importance of team building and leadership in local government.

[00:43:12] Strategic Planning and Community Health

• Discussion on the need for strategic planning in addressing long-term community health and infrastructure issues.

[00:52:03] Making Career Transitions

• Crandall reflects on his decision to transition to new opportunities and the factors that influence such...