Strategic Planning: How City Managers Can Use it to Change Culture

Imagine this scenario: you are new to an organization, it's attempting to go in twenty different directions and going nowhere fast. Getting your governing board on the same page is no easy task, but what do you do once you've gone through the process of establishing a #StrategicPlan and now you're tasked with carrying it out?

This is the position I found myself in as #CityManager. It was absolutely critical that the new direction be embedded within every aspect of the organizational culture, and this is the path I used which helped get everyone on board.

At the end of the day, getting more employees involved, engaged, and informed on the plan will have remarkable impacts on the direction the agency is heading in.

Tip #1 - Be transparent

In the public sector, there are constant pushes to increase transparency and allow the public into all elements of governance. Allowing the public to have access to progress, updates, and even shortcomings will help build trust with the community. Even if the Council adopted a specific action item and it's not been accomplished, be upfront and let the community know. Don't wait for the community to ask you about that promise the Council made; take the lead and inform.

Tip #2 - Challenge your management team

In changing the culture of an agency, you will oftentimes encounter those who are resistant to change and accustomed to doing things a certain way. Bring them in on the front side, and challenge your management team to fold in employees from the line level, supervisors, and mid-level managers. Some managers have never been involved in the establishment of objectives; coach, mentor, and challenge. The employees will come out with more skills than when they started.

"Don't be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard." - Colin Powell

Tip #3 - Research platforms that allow the plan to go live

This is very much connected to Tip #1. I spent weeks researching platforms that would allow for the publication of the #StrategicPlan online and allow for instant updates. This was available online with multiple users able to post updates, share data, and illustrate progress. I implemented the Envisio platform, which worked well for our needs.

Don't spend too much time researching though; make a decision and move forward.

Tip #4 - Be bold

In establishing objectives and action plans, don't be afraid to be bold and innovative. There is a risk of falling short, but don't let the possibility of failure prevent you from setting high expectations for the team. You will not know what employees are capable of until you challenge them. It's amazing what people can do.

Tip #5 - Communicate, communicate, and communicate

Use every opportunity to bring it back to the "Why." The vision of the agency and the goals set out are important in changing an agency's culture. Use every team meeting, celebratory moment, working lunch, and employee engagement event to bring it back home. Getting everyone on the same page takes effort, perseverance, and team work.

Final thoughts

While changing an agency's culture is by no means easy, the positive impacts will be seen across the board. I hope these tips will help you move your agency in a more positive direction for the benefit of your #community.