Communication in aLocal Government Setting
Presented by
Dick Isabelle, CAOTown of Oromocto
to
Annual ConferenceJune 2014
Verbs of CommunicationInspiringReassuringDirecting TeachingRewardingCorrecting
DiscussingPlanningSetting ExpectationsAssessing OutcomesInformingUpdating
AnnouncingExplainingWarningCelebratingGrieving
InterviewingEngagingConsultingSharingCollaborating
SellingNegotiating
HerdingAttracting
30 Years in the Army
• Tactical
• Operational
• Strategic
The Tactical Level
Specific TasksDrills
ProcessesProcedures
Situation Reports
Critique the eventEvaluate Performance
The Tactical Level
S ituationM issionE xecution
TasksResources
S upportC ommunications
Orders!
The Operational Level
The Operational Level
The Operational Level
The Operational Level
S ituationM issionE xecution
TasksResources
S upportC ommunications
Orders!
PoliciesMajor Projects
ProgramsAnnual Reports
Evaluate PerformanceOpportunities for Improvement
The Operational Level
The Strategic Level
The thirty thousandfoot view
Blue Sky Thinking
Provide direction through policies, program mandates and laws
Move from project management to program management
Set expectations through: 5 – 10 year strategic plansVisions and ValuesStrategic goals and objectivesAnnual Measurables
The Strategic Level
Client Service
Department of Public SafetyPolice, Fire and Emergency Services
Program Management and Policy Development
Legislative Changes
Sensitivity to the Political Agenda
Stakeholder Engagement
Media Relations
Department of Public SafetyPolice, Fire and Emergency Services
Fredericton Daily Gleaner - June 10th 2011
Isabelle Inherits Divided Council- Problems / Spats abound at Oromocto Town Hall.- Reports of a dysfunctional and poisonous work
environment. Model Town is a Model of Dysfunction- This week we learned that dysfunction reigns within
Oromocto Town Council and between council and municipal staff.
- Of course, many within the organization, and outside it, have opinions about exactly what’s gone wrong.- Is it the holding back of information by staff when
Council requests it?- Is it that some councillors are trying to be the Town’s
administrators and run everything?- Is it unreasonable demands made of staff by
councillors?- Is it a lack of communication, a lack of respect, a lack
of team-building skills or way too much ego?
Fredericton Daily Gleaner - June 10th 2011
I said:
I understand how important it is for the town that this be addressed and that’s my responsibility to address it.
Our goal has to be a happy and healthy workplace and a very strong relationship between elected officials and the town staff and, similarly, within town staff.
In my experience, the key to that is just really strong communications between all of the parties, all of the interests.
It is my job to ensure those communication lines are in place and they’re constantly fostered.
Other Opportunities:Several recent or ongoing harassment complaints1 – 2 grievances per month from the firefighter union
Consequences:Outdated policy manualOutdated by-lawsLimited performance evaluationLimited public engagementNot much joint planning, other than Emergency PlanningNo long term plans, other than the Municipal Plan
Respectful Work PlaceTeam Approach to Planning and Problem SolvingFunctioning Labour – Management ProcessA Framework for Consistency
Clear Processes, Procedures, Policies and By-lawsImproved Citizen EngagementPositive Media RelationsA Long Term View
Verbs of CommunicationInspiringReassuringDirecting TeachingRewardingCorrecting
DiscussingPlanningSetting ExpectationsAssessing OutcomesInformingUpdating
AnnouncingExplainingWarning
InterviewingEngagingConsultingSharingCollaborating
SellingNegotiating
HerdingAttracting
QUESTIONS?