"The Vision Thing" and Other Questions

Since becoming city manager three weeks ago, I’ve had a chance to talk to many of you in person and heard from others through our new “virtual suggestion box” on the intranet and via email. I’ve also been working closely with our department heads to make sure we are all on the same page when it comes to how we are approaching our leadership roles in the organization.

Because one of the most fundamental elements of a successful team is communication, I thought I’d take a moment to share with our entire organization some of the themes that have emerged.

What’s your vision for the organization?

This one is probably the question I hear most (right after “How many hours did your six-week-old baby sleep last night?”).

My answer is very simple. Be the best. We are here to make our city great.

Where are we headed as an organization?

As city manager, my job is to ensure this organization is delivering on the City Council’s policy direction, which, in turn, is driven by our community’s core values and vision for the future of their city.

To do this, we need to be a high performing team. What does that mean?

• We value our employees.

• We care about customer service.

• We don’t tolerate silos. We are one team.

• No surprises. We need to communicate … all the time … in all directions.

• We offer solutions, not excuses.

• We always do the right thing.

• We measure what we do so we can do it better.

• We are proud of our organization and each other.

What do you think is our biggest challenge?

Change. This organization has gone through a lot of change over the past 10 years – new city managers, new city council members, new technology, new community expectations, district elections ... that’s a lot for any organization, let alone one that was not accustomed to change. Change is by definition disrupting. It makes us uncomfortable. It takes energy to manage.

Are you going to make changes?

Yes.

Um, could you be more specific?

I’m still getting to know our organization, so it’s too soon to say exactly what might change. But, let’s face it, the whole world is changing. Our community is changing. In a few months the City Council will be changing. To be the best, we need to not just adapt to these changes but see change as an opportunity for our organization to become even stronger.

Do you want to turn Carlsbad into San Diego?

No.

What’s your philosophy on internal promotions vs. outside recruitments?

My hiring philosophy is this: I want every new hire to be the very best fit for our organizational needs. Sometimes this will mean promoting from within. Sometimes this will mean bringing in someone from outside our organization.

Are you going to hire more people from San Diego?

Probably, but this is an outcome, not a goal. When I find someone who is the top in their field, a rising star or just an extraordinary talent, I want that person to have opportunities in our organization. We have people like that here already. A lot. I also know people in San Diego like that. And, I know people throughout my extended professional network like that. We are going to hire the best. Period.

How will you support city employees?

I will always have your back. I will give you the tools and resources you need to do your best work. I will listen.

Will you let us hire more full-time staff?

In the past few years, the City Council has demonstrated that when it makes sense, they will authorize new full-time positions. We need to do our part by working efficiently and making smart decisions about how we use our resources.

What’s the new chief innovation officer position going to do?

The chief innovation officer’s job is to help create a culture where we are constantly looking for the very best ways to deliver our services. Sometimes this will involve technology; sometimes it will involve getting rid of outdated processes and procedures. It will always involve looking at our work through the lens of those we serve and asking ourselves, “How can we make their lives better?”

What’s next?

Keep your questions coming. Give me feedback.

How many hours did your newborn sleep last night?

Four.