Role of the Professional in Local Government

Role of the Professional in Local Government: 

Role of the Professional in Local Government IML Newly Elected Officials Conference Peoria June 23, 2007

John Phillips : 

John Phillips Entire 33 year career in local government City Administrator – City of Rockford City Manager – City of Rock Island B.A. in Political Science – 1973 Loras College, Dubuque M.A.P.A. – 1975, Northern Illinois University ICMA Credentialed Manager

Today’s Objective Is To Discuss: 

Today’s Objective Is To Discuss Evolution of professional management in local government Types of professionals you find today in local government Primary responsibilities of professionals in local government Various organizational issues impacting a professional in local government Trends in professional management Some personal/professional thoughts Questions/Comments

Evolution of the Professional in Local Government: 

Evolution of the Professional in Local Government Date back to late 1800’s and early 1900’s Political leadership and administrative functions should be separate Scientific management principles had a place in local government Professional management stemmed from political reform movement. Early Administrative Activities Focused on internal components of organization Evolution to managing, budgeting, planning and infrastructure Customer service and efficient/effective program delivery is current focus Today’s local government public professionals Specifically trained & educated Defined career path in public sector Increasing responsibility

Types of Professionals You Might Find: 

Types of Professionals You Might Find Come by many names & titles Public Works Director, Finance Director, Director of Personnel, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Library Director, Public Information Officer, Risk Management Director, City Engineer My favorite - Village/City Manager But there are others . . . . . . . Career Paths “Careerists” (Education/Experience) Situational (Migration to public sector) Political Affiliate (Normally through relationship) All of which can be effective

Primary Responsibilities: 

Primary Responsibilities Manage Day to Day Operations Provide Board/Council Support Directives are carried out with expected outcomes achieved Leadership Style Conducive to Policy Makers Responsible to citizens, policy makers, employees

Primary Responsibilities ……Day to Day Operations!!!!!: 

Primary Responsibilities ……Day to Day Operations!!!!! Desired services are delivered Departments/Divisions are managed/administered well (systems) Systems are driven by accepted management practices System improvements are constantly sought Quality in customer service is important Projected image and organizational attitude are positively viewed by community This is where the “Rubber hits the road”

Primary Responsibilities……Providing the Board/Council with Support!!!!!: 

Primary Responsibilities……Providing the Board/Council with Support!!!!! Provide Advice to City Council and Mayor on Policy Provide solid information to policy makers Timely, Accurate & Pertinent Provide desired level of advice Based on professional expertise Adequate resources utilized Within proper context of issue Support policy development; don’t make policy!!

Primary Responsibilities…..Directives Carried Out! : 

Primary Responsibilities…..Directives Carried Out! Directives are carried out with expected outcomes achieved. Focused Effort on Council/Board Directives Timely Response to Requests Regular Feedback to Elected Officials on Progress concerning Policy Objectives Failures or shortcomings are as important to discuss as success stories. Individual concerns are met when possible Clarify Expectations up front

Primary Responsibilities…..Be a Leader within the proper context!!!!!!: 

Primary Responsibilities…..Be a Leader within the proper context!!!!!! Provide leadership for workforce Create positive work environment Advance policies of Board Strive for organizational improvement Set Good Example for Work Force Establish Solid Relationship with Community Be available Be visible Be believable Be consistent Media leadership Good relations Strive to be valuable resource Do not overshadow Elected Officials

Governance Structure ….With Professional Administrator/Manager: 

Governance Structure ….With Professional Administrator/Manager Council or Board/Manager or Administrator Form Citizens are stockholders Council/Board acts as Board of Directors Mayor/President acts as Chairman of the Board Manager/Administrator acts as Chief Executive Officer Division/Departments act as functional/productive work centers Board sets direction/goals Manager/Administrator advises and implements Provides information and recommendations Implements directives Manager/Administrator held accountable by Board

Governance Structure ….No Professional Administrator/Manager: 

Governance Structure ….No Professional Administrator/Manager Council or Board w/Mayor/Village President No Chief Appointed Officer Citizens are stockholders Council/Board & Mayor set policy and oversee implementation Through Department/Division Managers Sometimes in committee structure Mayor often has more active role in running day to day operations Often seen as Chairman of Board and CEO Council/Board may not be as involved in administration Both forms can work well

Governance Structure: 

Governance Structure Organizational Issues Size of organization Organizational culture Community Issues Expectations History Often based on history and demographics Geographical location Population Organizational size Other

Trends in Professional Management : 

Trends in Professional Management Ongoing training and education Citizen expectations More Focus on Information Management Affairs of local government being available to citizens Organizational information News media More Citizen involvement More access to information More of a collaborative facilitator More Subdued Approach to Management Styles Council/Staff Team Approach Longevity becoming more common place Strive for community wide acceptance

Trends in Professional Management…..Challenges that face us.: 

Trends in Professional Management…..Challenges that face us. Rate of Technological change Economic Development/Growth Management Human Resource Issues Legal Liabilities Generational change in workforce Labor/Management Issues Societal expectation of elected leadership “What have you done for me today” Elected official Terms Information Management Affairs of local government Organizational information News media

Professional Thoughts: 

Professional Thoughts There is no exact formula for success Organization, Community, Individual Flexibility and ability to change Communication, Communication, Communication Respect for the Difficult Role of Elected Officials Relationships are key ingredient to success Board relationship(s) will change over time

Professional Thoughts: 

From your professionals, you should expect…. Hard work Honesty Resourcefulness Flexibility Commitment Professional Thoughts

Questions, Comments, Thoughts: 

Questions, Comments, Thoughts What have I missed? What did I overlook? Did I say anything that you particularly agree or disagree with? Is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you very much: 

Thank you very much Illinois Municipal League Good luck to all Newly Elected Officials.