January 2018 Leadership Lessons

January 2018

VIDEO OF THE MONTH: "Leader - Motivational Video"

A leader can stare fear in the face and say, "You are yesterday's problem!" If you want more out of life, then go out and get it!

Watch the Video

ARTICLES OF THE MONTH: "Leadership Lessons from Jimmy Carter" by ICMA

Jimmy Carter's leadership offers a unique opportunity for analysis because his post-presidency work is admired perhaps more than his work as president of the United States (1977 to 1981). In my opinion, this contrast illustrates a local government manager's need to apply different leadership skills to different situations and to rely on a solid foundation of honesty and integrity.

Carter's appeal to the nation in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal was that he was an honest, common man of high integrity and personal principles. Despite these personal characteristics, Jimmy Carter's presidency is known as lacking specificity in vision and purpose.

On the other hand, in his post-presidency, Carter provided consistent vision, goals, and skills to succeed in another setting.

"Why the Best Leaders Do the Dirty Work" by Kevin Eikenberry

Some people think that once they ascend to a leadership role (or to a certain level of leadership) that they are immune from doing "real work" anymore. And even if you don't feel that way, if you spend a little time as a fly on the wall with groups of front line employees, you will hear that perception regularly.

"They don't do any work" or "I have no clue what they do all day" are not terms of endearment; instead, when people use those phrases, they are sharing their feelings about their leader's lack of effectiveness and connectedness.

"The 5 Dsyfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni - Book Reviewed by TLP Cohort #5 Member

Patrick Lencioni has written a short but extremely valuable and executable book. I found this book clearly understandable and was able to apply several of the 5 team building skills immediately.

Throughout the story, Lencioni reveals the five dysfunctions which go to the very heart of why teams—even the best ones—often struggle. He outlines a powerful model and accountable steps that can be used to overcome these common hurdles and build a cohesive, effective team. Lencioni has written a compelling fable with a powerful yet deceptively simple message for all those who strive to be exceptional team leaders.

DEADLINE EXTENSION - TLP Cohort #6 Applications

Thank you to all who have completed and turned in their Transportation Leadership Program's Cohort #6 applications. There are still a few spaces open. If you were interested in the program and did not have an opportunity to complete your application, there is still time.

We will accept applications until Wednesday, January 31st. We hope you are able to have one of your staff participate in this important program. Guaranteed they will be in great company with the other members who have just been accepted.

Click here to get the application.

A Note from Donna Shea

Happy New Year from all of us at the T2 Center. May this year bring happiness, new goals, new achievements and a lot of inspirations in your life.

This is the time to consider your leadership goals for 2018. I've always been a fan of setting goals at the beginning of each year because it provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect and focus on self-improvement.

This year, I would suggest that you consider writing down three (3) leadership goals for 2018 and periodically check in to see how you are doing reaching those goals.

If you would like to share any of your goals with us, we would be very happy to help by providing resources in the TLP Leadership Lessons and include tips in our discussions during the TLP Modules.

Look forward to working with you in 2018.

All the best,

Donna