PCC Local Time

Latest Episodes:

Christa Breum Amhøj, Pam Adams, Jim Price; Sustainable Futures and Local Government (Across the Pond Series) Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Today we are talking about sustainable futures, what that means and how it intersects with local government. I am joined by co-host John Diamond, Professor Emeritus, Edge Hill University, UK and three esteemed guests.

Christa Breum Amhøj Co-founder Action University, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
Pam Adams, Sustainability Planner at Centre Region Council of Governments, Pennsylvania, US
Jim Price, Borough Manager, Crafton Borough Manager, Sustainable Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

This is the second episode in our Across the Pond series in which we engage topics that are both global and local. Where do we locate the limits of our understanding and how can we reach across boundaries to gain insights?

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BIOS AND CONTACT INFO

John Diamond is an Emeritus Professor of Public Policy and Professional Practice at Edge Hill University in the UK. He works as a critical friend to leaders and practitioners in the not-for-profit and university sectors. Central to his approach is the active use of conversations and dialogue as a way of developing and strengthening the power of relational practice and learning . He is a co-editor of the internationally focused Handbook of Teaching Public Administration (2022) and is co-editor of two book series – University-Community Policy Connections and Critical Perspectives in International Public Sector Management

Christa Breum Amhøj- See also: Slide Deck - Life Affirming Collaboration (Three Waves of Sustainability)

Pam Adams

Jim Price

Resources Mentioned in the Show

Christa:

Pam:

Jim:

John:

TIMESTAMPS

00:02:23 Intro: Sustainability and regenerative approaches.

The timestamp for when the podcast starts to discuss the different perspectives on sustainability is 00:10:27. Understanding different perspectives on sustainability.

00:13:00 Regenerative perspective on public management.

00:18:39 New public entrepreneurial perspective: redefining resources and organizations.

00:28:57 Local communities can drive innovation and experimentation for sustainable solutions.

00:30:51 Governance is a continual process.

00:41:00 Climate change research is crucial.

00:43:06 Academia and municipalities need to collaborate for sustainable change.

00:49:00 Importance of university-locality relationships.

00:56:09 Case studies drive sustainable change.

01:02:21 Importance of local engagement.

01:05:55 Holistic approach for sustainable future.

01:12:37 Importance of leadership and collaboration.

Mike Rowe and Chief Ronald Comacho; Small Changes, Big Impact: Shifting the Focus in Policing (Across the Pond Series) Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

What does an ethnologist in policing from the UK have in common with a Police Chief from the U.S.? Quite a bit as it turns out. But the contrast also helps us get a fuller perspective on what is going on behind the scenes.

This is the first episode in our Across the Pond series in which we engage topics that are both global and local. Where do we locate the limits of our understanding and how can we reach across boundaries to gain insights?

This episode highlights the challenges and demands of policing today. We address legitimacy in policing, the focus on vulnerability vs criminality, recruitment and professional development, and more broadly the evolving nature of police work.

If you are interested in getting more content like this, sign up for our Friday PCC newsletter HERE

SHOWNOTES

Bios

Mike Rowe

Disassembling Police Culture
Ethnography and the Evocative World of Policing (OUT SOON; Edited By Matthew Bacon, Bethan Loftus, Mike Rowe)

Ron Camacho

[Mentioned in the show @51:23] CURRENT READING LIST FOR BOROUGH OF CHAMBERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't by Jim Collins
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win BBY Jocko Willink
Leaders Eat last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't by Simon Sinek
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Focus on vulnerability in policing.

00:06:25 Importance of community engagement.

00:15:14 Understanding police use of stop and search.

00:20:20 Training is crucial for police.

00:25:18 Discretion influenced by various factors.

00:32:23 Importance of human interactions.

00:36:54 Invest in self-improvement and well-being.

00:42:39 Focus on vulnerability, not criminality.

00:51:23 Education is key for police.

00:54:49 Invest in education for officers.

01:02:18 Support officers in their mission.

01:07:37 Hope for the future of policing.

01:14:06 Importance of continuous learning.

Busting HR Myths (Series) with Kim Nash #5 The Younger Generation Lacks Work Ethics & #6 HR is Easy, Anyone Can Do It! Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

Today we dive into the final conversations of our series. This time we talk about the multi-generational workforce and the path to professionalism.

My guest, Kim Nash teaches for the Society of Human Resource Management and has a consultancy focused on helping HR professionals grow their career.

This series contains six conversations that build on the central theme of how HR can create value in an organization.

If you are interested in more in-depth notes on this episode and additional content, or would like to know more about the Pioneering Change Community, sign up for the Friday PCC newsletter HERE

BIO

Kim has spent more than 20 years teaching the SHRM HR Essentials, the SHRM Learning System, and other human resource related courses to mentor and encourage human resource professionals to grow in their professional development and pass the certification exam. In 2017, Kim founded her company, THriv, LLC to mentor, coach, teach, and train human resource professionals and leaders for success. In the spring of 2023, Kim published her first book, Burn the Plow, a story about her career journey, and she launched a Vlog, Fill My Cup designed to renew and inspire leaders in the summer of 2023.

SHOW NOTES

00:00:00 Millennials and Gen Z dominate workforce.

00:09:03 Work-life balance and changing priorities.

00:13:17 Generational interaction is crucial.

00:16:59 Face-to-face interaction is important.

00:23:10 Bridging generation gaps through collaboration.

00:27:29 Reverse mentorship in the workplace.

00:29:03 HR needs to be bridge builders.

00:37:12 HR professionals need financial understanding.

00:43:24 Take initiative in your career.

00:47:33 Explore different paths to HR.

00:55:02 Continuing education is essential.

00:57:11 Importance of HR professionalism.

Busting HR Myths (Series) with Kim Nash #3 Orgs that Pay get the best employees & #4 HR is a Scapegoat Aug 11, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to PCC Local Time. I am your host Nancy Hess and today we continue our six-part conversation series on Busting HR Myths series with Kim Nash. We talk about whether organizations that pay the most get the best employees and how HR becomes the scapegoat in organizations.

If you are interested in more in-depth notes on this episode and additional content, or would like to know more about the Pioneering Change Community, sign up for the Friday PCC newsletter HERE

BIO

Find out more about Kim Nash HERE or connect with her on LinkedIn

SHOWNOTES:

[00:02:10] Top paying employers struggle.

[00:03:25] Pay is not the only motivator.

[00:04:33] Employee turnover and retention.

[00:51:19] Importance of manager and HR partnership.

[00:08:30] Onboarding and employee buddy.

[00:09:10] Retention starts in the recruitment process.

[00:14:08] Rethinking sign-on bonuses.

[00:19:06] Generational differences in benefit preferences.

[00:26:58] Flexibility in the workplace.

[00:28:03] The gig economy.

[00:31:13] Changing work to enable flexibility.

[00:35:31] Pay increases and fairness.

[00:39:31] HR as scapegoat.

[00:43:18] Termination and difficult conversations.

[00:49:34] Managerial Training and Development.

[00:54:12] Policies and enforcement.

[00:57:37] Involve leadership in policy decisions.

[01:01:23] Odd policies in organizations.

[00:59:14] Importance of effective organizational policies.

The Impact of National Issues on Local Politics and the Role of City Manager with John Kincaid, Bev Cigler and Matt Candland Aug 09, 2023

Show notes

Today I am excited to welcome three return guests. Dr Bev Cigler, professor emerita from Penn State, Dr John Kincaid, professor at LaFayette College, in Easton Pennsylvania and Matt Candland from Upper Moreland Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

In this episode, we talk about the rising occurrence of national issues entering into local politics and the resulting polarization that occurs.

This episode presents views that balance, on the one hand, the role of our federal constitution in supporting activism on national issues at the local level, and on the other, the business of local government and the role of the city manager.

In short, this episode is a quick study on how federalism impacts local government. As you will discern, this conversation is one that deserves many more. But what is presented here is a foundation for understanding, perfectly crafted and presented by my three esteemed guests.

Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE to get more resources on this episode and community updates every Friday in your inbox.

BIOS

Professor John Kincaid is the Robert B. and Helen S. Meyner Professor of Government and Public Service and Director of the Meyner Center for the Study of State and Local Government at Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania. He is recognized around the world for his scholarship in the area of Federalism. Connect with him on LinkedIn HERE or learn more about him HERE.

Professor Bev Cigler, is a Penn State Distinguished Professor Emerita of Public Policy and Administration. Her affiliations include Wayne State, Thiel, North Carolina State, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and Penn State Harrisburg (PSH). She is well-known for her pracademic perspectives and scholarship in the area of American Federalism and Intergovernmental relations. You can connect with her on LinkedIn HERE or learn more about her HERE.

Matt Candland is the Township Manager of Upper Moreland Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in the Washington DC area. He attended Brigham Young University and received BA – double major English Literature and American Studies; he received his Master of Public Administration from North Carolina State University and a MBA from Frostburg State University – Master of Business Administration. You can connect with him on LinkedIn HERE

SHOW NOTES

00:00:00 Polarization and local politics.

00:08:04 Local government activism can be detrimental.

00:11:36 Local government faces increasing challenges.

00:17:09 Managers' role in addressing issues.

00:21:18 Local governments can push back.

00:24:44 Sanctuary cities and nullification.

00:32:09 Polarization threatens local government effectiveness.

00:34:58 Managers can promote good government.

00:42:17 Digital literacy can reduce polarization.

00:45:24 Moving from debates to dialogue.

00:52:23 Local activism leads to division.

00:53:00 Stay neutral as a manager.

01:04:45 Managers can lower political temperature.

01:02:20 Think globally, act locally.

01:04:59 Managers can influence community temperature.

01:10:57 Local governments can engage internationally.

Busting HR Myths (Series) with Kim Nash: #1 HR is Evil & #2 Post It (and they will come) Aug 04, 2023

Show notes

This is a six part series made especially for HR professionals and managers who wrangle with HR issues. Today, my guest and partner in this series, Kim Nash joins me in the first two of our six conversations in Busting HR Myths Series.

Each conversation is 30 min and builds on the central theme of how HR can create value in your organization.

These episodes will help you build the business case for HR and help you evaluate your organization needs.

We hope these episodes will stimulate more conversations inside the Pioneering Change Community as we build out content in the coming months.

If you are interested in more in-depth notes on this episode and additional content, or would like to know more about the Pioneering Change Community, sign up for the Friday PCC newsletter HERE

BIO

Find out more about Kim Nash HERE or connect with her on LinkedIn

SHOW NOTES:

Episode 1: HR is a necessary Evil

• What do most people think about HR?

• Evolution of the HR function in an organization.

• The reasons HR is important today?

Episode 2: Recruitment – Post-it and They Will Come

• Recruitment is more than posting an open position on a job board

• Discuss the importance of employment branding

• Provide statistics about open positions in the U.S. and the number of job seekers

Tremayne Terry and Jarvis Brown on Supplier Diversity: Linking Prime Contractors to Small Business to Build Sustainable Communities Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

Today Tremayne Terry and Jarvis Brown are with us to talk about what they do and why supplier diversity makes sense from every angle, including business, community, economics, sustainability and social governance.

If you are like me, you may question where the path to diversity begins. This episode will change that.

If you have a desire to leverage diversity, you will come away with ideas and a sense that this is a way to go.

Tremayne Terry and Jarvis Brown are innovating in the space of diversity initiatives. They talk about why such initiatives are necessary and vital for economic, social and communal well being. How they leveraged an opportunity at Capital Region Water in Harrisburg Pennsylvania to organically grow this initiative in the community, is remarkable.

Check out the show notes for more details.

Sign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE to get more resources on this episode and community updates every Friday in your inbox.

BIO

Tremayne E. Terry has over 10 years of success in growing a minority business enterprise (MBE) and developing business diversity programs for public and private entities. With a history in state & local government, and public infrastructure, Tremayne is a proven leader when it comes to forging partnerships for businesses and organizations. With demonstrable work in business diversity and strategy development, Tremayne is a proven leader in this field. His goal is to provide clients with cutting-edge solutions while maximizing inclusion for minority-owned, women-owned and other diverse businesses.

Connect with Tremayne on LinkedIn.

Jarvis Brown is Diversity Manager at Capital Region Water in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. You can learn more about him and the supplier diversity management program at the CRW website. HERE

SHOW NOTES

00:00:00 Smaller organizations may be more equipped for supplier diversity programs.

00:05:58 Diversity is essential for success.

00:08:30 Policy in writing vs policy in action.

00:11:38 Disrupting a system.

00:21:28 Supplier diversity is essential.

00:24:54 Building relationships and trust.

00:28:44 Extractive businesses harm community sustainability.

00:35:01 Smaller organizations are more equipped.

00:45:18. Supplier diversity strengthens communities.

00:46:05 Supplier diversity drives project success.

00:49:10 Making business participation easier.

00:52:19 Collaboration is key for diversity.

Quotes:

00:06:39 - "So diversity makes sense socially and it makes sense business wise as well."
00:09:07 - "The policy as written piece is what our disadvantaged business have historically had complaints about, have not trusted is the policy on paper that no one sees, the policy that it's there, but no one knows what it really says."
00:12:02 - "And oftentimes I'll say it, you're, you're disliked by everyone, right?"
00:16:52 - "There was just that disruption on the other end and folks filling out paperwork without putting much effort into it."
00:19:31 - "It's so built in organizations, no matter what you're trying to change."
00:26:47 - "So that's what it means for minority businesses is that they feel like they, they know that they have a voice and an extra seat at the table that's working on their behalf."
00:30:45 - "And so this supplier diversity and being able to participate on the construction contracts that are happening right in your backyard is important."
00:33:06 - "So when that customer is mad because their water pressure is down or they're mad because there's flooding in the street because of a heavy rainstorm and they want to point the finger at an organization like CRW and their neighbor who works there or their neighbor who has a contract there comes out on behalf of CRW and says, no, we're doing this and this to invest to make sure that these things don't happen."
00:36:50 - "So I think a lot of times our smaller organizations are more equipped to build out these programs and build the foundation and build the capacity, like Jarvis mentioned, that's needed in an effort to then help propel these smaller businesses so that they can grow and start to do business with some of the larger organization."
00:42:33 - "Spend your money in your community whenever you can."
00:44:41 - "It just makes us better. It makes us stronger. It makes us more aware."
00:46:17 - "So it's not going to be, it doesn't necessarily drive up price with, what's the word I'm looking for Jarvis, where you set up the project mobility, right?"
00:52:50 - "We're all a part of the solution and that no single particular entity should in any way have to carry the full load period."
00:54:39 - "So I didn't want to end without mentioning our veterans or our LGBTQ community."

Chief John String on dynamic models of policing and public safety Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

Chief John String is currently the Chief of Police at Narberth Borough in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. Among other topics we explore the intersection between public demand for officers to be more involved in mental health and outreach, and the preferences of the new generation of recruits.

Our conversation is wide ranging, so check out the show notes for more detail.

BIO

Chief John Stringer on LinkedIn

SHOW NOTES

[00:00:27] Changing retirement plans for officers.

[00:05:39] Professional growth in policing.

[00:08:47] Change in policing mindset.

[00:15:33] Transparency and video release policies.

[00:19:26] Rebuilding police trust.

[00:23:12] Privacy concerns with body cameras.

[00:24:30] Changing the conversation forward.

[00:29:20] The dark side of technology.

00:32:18] Managing technology in law enforcement.

[00:36:30] Hiring and recruiting in 2023.

[00:38:37] Education for police officers.

[00:42:49] Focusing on high liability areas.

[00:47:31] Interesting areas to explore.

[00:49:25] Relationship with police departments.

[00:53:03] Strained relationship with law enforcement.

[01:02:03] The hub model.

[01:04:10] Building a networked government.

[01:09:51] Policing and community adaptation.

[01:11:22] Funding and resource limitations.

[01:15:00] The future of policing.

Jim Oher - Rethinking EAPs and why we resist them. Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

For a long time, I have wondered why EAPs or employee assistance programs are so under utilized in organizations.

Today I talk with Jim Oher who has worked as a corporate director, executive consultant, psychoanalyst and group educator. He is also a trained mediator and resiliency hardiness specialist. He is co-author and editor of two books: The Employee Assistance Handbook andThe Employee Assistance Treatment Planner.

If you wonder why we are not using EAPs more to address mental health issues in the workplace, particularly given they are free of cost, this conversation may help you re-think, like it did me, how we could use EAPs in our workplaces to support employees who are struggling to stay plugged in.

As always, I am interested to hear from you. Let me know if you have found ways to make your EAP program more accessible and relevant to employees.

CONTACT INFO

Jim Oher Website

LinkedIn Profile

The Employee Assistance Treatment Planner

SHOW NOTES

[2:12] Why are mental health issues on the rise?

[8:20] Glad to be Unhappy, sung by Frank Sinatra

[9:11] How might EAP programs be utilized effectively in an organization to help address mental health?

[10:11] Behavioral health field and AI

[11:48] Employee who counseled for substance abuse.

[12:48] Parameters of confidentiality

[15:37] What about softer issues where an employee just needs support?

[17:49] Counseling versus EAP

[20:43] Do HR Managers trust EAPs?

[22:56] EAPs are full of complexities and paradoxes

[25:08] EAP protocol and ethical guidelines

SHRM resources

[26:22] The two paths and what they look like

[29:56] Managers are still not comfortable with the role of coach

[31:26] More on impact of COVID

[37:49] Why don’t leaders engage EAP for coaching?

Ray Patchett (Part 2) High performing teams and organizations Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

Today I meet with Ray Patchett for Part 2 of our conversation about organization teams and performance.

In this episode, we delve into the topic of bureaucracy and its impact on organizations. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of bureaucratic structures and how they can either enhance or hinder results. Our conversation transitions to exploring key traits of successful teams, managing transitions, polarization, and conflict resolution. Tune in for an insightful discussion on navigating organizational dynamics for optimal performance.

Raymond R. Patchett served as the City Manager for the City of Carlsbad, California, for 20 plus years where he has done extensive implementation of strategic change in a public sector organization. He formed Patchett & Associates in 2006 to offer clients a full spectrum of consulting, coaching and training services that foster community excellence, organizational effectiveness and personal growth.

SHOW NOTES

[00:02:32] Limits of bureaucracy in administration.

[00:05:07] Holding fast to integrity.

[00:10:02] Decision-making styles.

[00:15:21] Affirmative topic development.

[00:17:37] Creating organizational culture.

[00:22:19] Beginnings and transitions.

[00:28:38] Mental health and transitions.

[00:33:22] Mental health in the workplace.

[00:36:10] Trauma and work experiences.

[00:43:10] Dealing with logic and emotion.

[00:47:31] Focusing on your business.

[00:49:12] When to speak out.

[00:55:02] Politicizing policies and positions.

[01:00:28] Conflict resolution techniques.

References:

Margaret J Wheatley. Turning to One Another. 2018

William Bridges. Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change. 2017 edition

Malcom Gladwell. Tipping Point. 2002

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BIOS AND CONTACT INFO

Resources Mentioned in the Show

TIMESTAMPS

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SHOWNOTES:

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BIO

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BIO

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