Developing Emerging Leaders. Who are we? Why are we here? Ben Kittelson, ELGL Program Manager Kent Wyatt, Senior Management Analyst, City of Tigard, Oregon.

Developing Emerging Leaders

Who are we? Why are we here?

Ben Kittelson, ELGL Program Manager

Kent Wyatt, Senior Management Analyst,

City of Tigard, Oregon

Kirsten Wyatt, Assistant City Manager, City of West Linn, Oregon

Emerging Local Government Leaders

Survey Says…

Four Discussion Areas:

Projects

Descriptions

Supervisors

Motivations

Projects

• If you’re committed to “Next Gen,” stay out of these bottom quadrants or assume Emerging Leaders learn by osmosis.

• Grunt work is part of every entry-level job.

• “Their ability to absorb information from a variety of sources and synthesize it into a coherent mass is really amazing. There’s an opportunity here.”

PLEASE DESCRIBE A PROJECT THAT YOU WERE ASSIGNED EARLY IN

YOUR CAREER THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU. WHY WAS THIS

PROJECT MEANINGFUL?

Projects

• Develop the budget into the GFOA award format for submission for

the award

• Comprehensive Plan research document. 

• Develop 10-year projections on revenues and expenses 

• Update and re-configure the performance measurements and a draft

dashboard

• Support for a public information campaign for a bond measure

• Analyze policy options for creating an emissions banking program

• Draft an annexation plan

• Create an orientation packet for new City Councilors“I always thrived (and still do) when a manager trusts me to coordinate a new significant project

from beginning to end. I'm a self-starter and love working without being micro-managed.”

Stereotypes

WHAT ARE TWO ADJECTIVES YOU'D USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Emerging Leaders Are:

PLEASE DESCRIBE AN INTERACTION WITH A SUPERVISOR OR COWORKER THAT WAS POSITIVE AND INSPIRED

YOU IN YOUR JOB.

Supervisors

• He said that someone had given him a chance and so he

would do the same for me.

• …when a supervisor can see how hard I am working and

encourages me to take a break to refresh and renew.

• When your supervisor shows passion and motivation to get

the job done, it makes me feel the same...

• …inspired that I could steer an important co-worker to do the

right thing.

• supervisor takes a genuine interest in the work I'm doing

• …flexible work schedule.“This is a total cop-out but every day at my

current internship both my supervisors have an open-door policy (like for real). I've been lucky to work for people who are always willing to

support me.”

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO PURSUE A PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER?

Motivations

• Feeling like I have something to contribute

• I felt like if I went to law school instead, I might become a

nasty person.

• The values of a place shape each local government uniquely.

I enjoy learning those values and putting those to work in

policy and projects.

• Despite the miles of red-tape and seemingly thankless role

we have, there is something to be said about serving the

community you grew up in which is why I enjoy the work I

do.

• I want to make a difference, but at times I still feel defeated

and wonder if government is the right place for me.

“The inspiring idea that I can make a difference and change the world.”

What’s Next?

TODAY: Projects, Descriptions, Supervisors,

Motivations

TOMORROW:

Friday at 1:00: 

Networking: More Fun Than the Oregon Trail

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, FEEDBACK?

ELGL.org@OregonELGL@MidwestELGL

Facebook.com/[email protected]