Organizational Development and Excellence

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Cities need an inspiring yet deliverable roadmap for the future. The roadmap must capture a clear and compelling vision that is  achieved by an organization-wide focus through budgeting/resourcing, planning, and staff time and attention. Also important, it needs to engage the hearts and minds of residents, employees, and other stakeholders by emotionally describing the outcomes the City will achieve. We can help you describe and build this future and describe using a proven, inclusive approach.

It is said that “culture and strategy should go to breakfast together.” Many times an organization’s culture can overshadow its ability to achieve its vision. Best Practice Cities are intentional about describing the values that are their north star (in specific and behavioral terms) and embedding them in all that they do. This multidisciplinary approach nurtures a culture of empowerment and inclusion, breeds high performance and results in a well-deserved internal and external reputation for excellence.

Residents aren't just one of a city's customers -- they are the primary one. When Best Practice Cities engage residents in strategic planning, budgeting, and other planning efforts, they earn commitment and trust. Also, when residents are pleased with the outcome AND the experience of city services, they are willing to participate in larger scale projects (neighborhood watch, beautification efforts, etc.). We show City staffs how to delight their customers and solidify a lasting relationship. 

City leaders set the tone for how a City operates and its’ potential for excellence. Best Practices Cities Leaders are students of leadership and use inclusive, collaborative, and trust-building approaches.  As well, they provide the environment and commitment to recruit/hire High Performance Individuals,  then support them to excel via training, coaching, mentoring, recognition and rewards, and full accountability. Our specialty is building competence and commitment at all levels of the workforce to achieve excellence.

Change (large and small) is a way of life for Cities. There’s always “whitewater” to get through.  People respond differently and emotionally to change. Best Practice Cities anticipate and plan for change – in both their vision and values work. They build trust with residents and employees so that (necessary) change will be supported. They consider the “change history” of the organization and thoughtfully plan approaches that address the emotional, user, resource, and other perspectives.

Best Practice Cities have and use a suite of “measures that matter.” Most Cities are already good at measuring the tactical, operational, and quantitative things. We help you determine what really matters to you and your stakeholders and create simple, practical strategic and holistic measures (e.g. employee commitment, level of customer delight/satisfaction, city reputation). Your measures should reflect the key issues and priorities identified in your vision and values. And, with effective measurement you can stay on goal and on point.