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Ben Thatcher, City Manager for Boerne, Texas joins us today to discuss leadership and change management. Boerne (pronounced bur-nee) is a gem of the Texas hill country located about 25 miles northwest of San Antonio. 

Under Ben’s leadership, the city has established a mission, vision, and values statement.  These foundational principles serve city leadership’s change (growth/improvement) initiatives. 

A positive legacy in Texas city government leadership began with Ben’s father, Ed. Ed (and his wife, Debbie) were honored by The North Texas Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration as 2022 Public Administrators of the Year. Last April (2022) Ben and his family members who work in city government (there are six of them) did a presentation for the North Texas American Society for Public Administration. Ben has devoted his education and his professional career to city government leadership and service. That’s why he is a believer in…

The Athenian Oath

We will never bring disgrace on this our City by an act of dishonesty or cowardice.

We will fight for the ideals and Sacred Things of the City both alone and with many.

We will revere and obey the City’s laws, and will do our best to incite a like reverence and respect in those above us who are prone to annul them or set them at naught.

We will strive unceasingly to quicken the public’s sense of civic duty.

Thus, in all these ways, we will transmit this City not only, not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.

Ben references this book, The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins.

We appreciate Ben Thatcher for taking time out of his hectic schedule to share his experiences, insights and wisdom in city government leadership. 

Be well. Do good. Grow great!

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What do you do with a team leader or team member who is undermining the work and the culture? While you’re working hard to set sail for fast smooth, waters they’re behind your back (usually) drilling holes in the hull of the boat. 

Today’s show was largely sparked by two quotes. 

“Make sure everybody in your boat is rowing and not drilling holes when you’re not looking. Know your circle.”

And…

“Be careful who you let on your ship, because some people will sink the whole ship just because they can’t be captain.”

Every leader has or will experience saboteurs. It’s urgent that we find ways to quickly identify them, give them a short-period of time to stop their destructive behavior and get them on board or off our boat. 

Check out the work of my buddy, Leo Bottary. He co-authored the book, The Power of Peers. And he wrote two other books, What Anyone Can Do and Peernovation. Leo’s work is intensely focused on the power of who surrounds us. It’s a big part of the last sentence of that first quote, “Know your circle.”

Be well. Do good. Grow great!

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Connect With Lisa On Linkedin •  Connect With Randy On Linkedin

We encourage you to contact us. Feedback, suggestions, criticisms, insights, and experiences are welcomed. Thank you for watching and listening!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:11:19 — 65.3MB)

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Today we’re joined by Grand Prairie Chief of Police Daniel Scesney. Daniel (he prefers to not be called ‘Chief’) has an extensive background in police work and leadership. A former Marine, Daniel spent years in police investigative work, including major crimes. He was promoted from being a police sergeant to assistant chief, something his peers mocked him for even attempting. 😉 

We talk about influencing our teams, our peers, our superiors, our “customers” and even our detractors. You’re going to enjoy getting to know more about Daniel and his leadership journey. Daniel also teaches a semester of a graduate course on Leadership Executive Administrative Development (LEAD) at Texas Christian University (his alma mater for his master’s degree – Go Frogs!). 

Useful links:

• GPPD Podcast – Grand Prairie Police (TX) on Apple Podcasts
• GPPD Podcast on Amazon Music
• Grand Prairie, Texas Police Department website

Be well. Do good. Grow great!

Check out the Hosts page for our profiles.
Connect With Lisa On Linkedin •  Connect With Randy On Linkedin

We encourage you to contact us. Feedback, suggestions, criticisms, insights, and experiences are welcomed. Thank you for watching and listening!