Reclaiming Communication and Respect in Local Government

#ThinkTankInsights #VisionSync

In my years of working closely with city managers, county administrators, and other local government leaders, one thing has become painfully clear: our ability to communicate effectively is eroding. This is not just a professional observation; it is a deeply personal concern. Bullying behaviors have become normalized in public discourse, including within local governments—the very institutions tasked with serving as models of civility and collaboration. There have always been challenges, it just seems that since 2020, there has been a significant escalation in tensions all over the country in local government settings.

This article reflects on my experiences facilitating leadership development workshops in local governments and City Manager and County Administrator Think Tanks with Imagine That Performance . I aim to shed light on the current challenges, offer a few research-backed insights, and present a few options, including a new offering with #VisionSync as a pathway forward.

The Current State of Communication in Local Governments

Local governments are microcosms of society. They face the same challenges we see on a broader scale: polarized opinions, diminished trust, and an alarming rise in bullying behaviors. Unfortunately, this environment has seeped into workplace interactions, hindering collaboration and creating toxic cultures.

Recent Real-World Examples of Bullying Behaviors

1. The Rochester City Council censured Council Member Molly Dennis for allegedly intimidating her colleagues and city staff over a two-year period. Under the censure, Dennis was restricted to virtual meetings with city staff through the remainder of 2023.
2. Nick Villano, the longtime city manager of Clifton, filed a tort notice alleging that council members subjected him to a "toxic work environment, retaliation, harassment," and defamation. Villano's claims highlight the tensions between city management and elected officials.
3. Mayor Mike Nelson issued an administrative order allowing city staff to report instances of bullying by council members directly to the Human Resources department. This action was taken in response to reports of unprofessional conduct and aimed to protect employees from a hostile work environment.

Unfortunately, these behaviors are becoming more commonplace and in many local governments, there isn't media coverage highlighting the dysfunction.

The Psychology Behind Ineffective Strategies

As a professional facilitator, I’ve seen how frustration and stress lead to ineffective communication strategies. Studies confirm that bullying, criticism, and coercion are not only morally questionable but also counterproductive:

• The Backfire Effect: Research shows that when people feel attacked, they dig in deeper, making them less likely to change their beliefs or behaviors. Here is a good resource: Backfire Effect in Psychology: When Facts Strengthen Misbeliefs
• Research published in the International Journal of Engineering and Science identified factors such as language barriers, intimidation, and lack of training as significant contributors to ineffective communication within organizations. These barriers can lead to misunderstandings, decreased employee morale, and hindered organizational performance.

Research Insights into Effective Communication Practices

Effective communication is pivotal in enhancing organizational performance, fostering employee engagement, and building public trust, especially within local government organizations. Research highlights several productive communication strategies:

• Effective communication involves understanding and addressing the needs of others. The Financial Times discusses the importance of validating others' feelings and perspectives, which can lead to more meaningful workplace conversations and improved organizational outcomes.
• Creating an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas without fear of retribution is crucial. A study in the Open Psychology Journal emphasizes that psychological safety significantly impacts team learning behavior and efficacy.

Implementing these strategies can lead to a more engaged workforce, better public relations, and overall enhanced organizational effectiveness.

Introducing VisionSync: A Pathway Forward

The VisionSync framework is designed to address communication challenges head-on by fostering empathy, alignment, and effective dialogue within local governments. Through workshops, executive coaching, and think tanks, we’ve witnessed a wide variety of toxic environments that have been transformed into collaborative ones.

How VisionSync Helps:

1. Rebuilding Trust: VisionSync creates safe spaces for open dialogue, where leaders can rebuild trust and mutual respect.
2. Empowering Leaders: Leaders explore their personal mission statements and align them with organizational goals, ensuring that values guide actions.
3. Fostering Inclusivity: Empathy becomes a cornerstone of leadership, enabling teams to engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives.
4. Establishing Accountability: Public commitment ceremonies and follow-up workshops ensure that progress is transparent and ongoing.

A Personal Reflection

What strikes me most, after years of facilitating and observing, is how deeply these issues affect everyone involved. Leaders in local government are not immune to the stress and frustrations that lead to these behaviors. Yet, I’ve also seen their immense potential to change, to lead with empathy, and to inspire their communities.

With VisionSync, we don’t just focus on fixing problems; we focus on growth, renewal, and the power of connection. I’ve witnessed teams transform from fractured groups into cohesive, high-performing units, simply by committing to better communication and alignment.

A Call to Action

Local government leaders have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to model the behavior they wish to see in their communities. The question is: Will we continue down the path of divisiveness, or will we choose empathy and collaboration?

VisionSync offers a clear pathway forward. Let’s work together to reclaim the art of communication, rebuild trust, and create environments where everyone can thrive.

If you’re ready to take the first step, let’s connect.