Jim Witt Interview

I had the privilege and opportunity to sit and talk with Jim Witt. Jim retired from the city management profession recently. In the interview Jim announces what he will be doing in the future. Listen to find out and learn a nugget or two.

To listen to the audio player mouse over the player and the audio files will pop up. Select which file you would like and click that file to listen.

Joe in Audio

I have decided to discuss my thoughts through podcasting. By clicking the title "Joe in Audio" you can now listen to me online. With each podcast I will give a brief summary of what it will contain in writing.

Today's podcast is about the City of Coppell and Mike Land. Coppell is going through a transition in City Managers while I give a quick update on Mike Land, City Manager of Prosper.

Leadership and Compassion

I was recently informed of a single mother living in a tent in Dickinson, Texas because of the destruction of Hurricane Ike. This was also broadcasted in the Houston news channel. You can view the story here. The most amazing feature of the story was how Julie Johnston, City Manager of Dickinson, got involved to make a difference in this single mother’s life. I have had the privilege of knowing Julie for many years and this demonstration of leadership does not surprise me. What I find inspiring is the fact that she took time to care for someone else knowing that the role of city manager brings great challenges. I also had the opportunity to see the story and hear the strength of this single mother and the sense of urgency to provide shelter for her family. We all know what Texas weather can do.

We salute Julie Johnston, City Manager of Dickinson, Texas for her reaching out and doing something that made a difference in someone else’s life. May we all be inspired by acts of leadership that make a difference because I know of the many intensive challenges City Managers have in their communities.

City of Friendswood

One of the most exciting things to witness is when a person has a moment of acute awareness. How they really can become better in their organization, or simply better the organization. This is exactly what happened in the City of Friendswood Council retreat on November 14, 2008 at South Shore Harbor. The Council was determined to establish a framework for priority projects with identified funding sources. They did it. Their discussion was robust and decisions were made. The Mayor and Council agreed up front on the format of making decisions. We did our mojo and the product was completed.

The uniqueness of this Council is they enjoy planning and establishing goals for their community. They have learned to debate the issues and respect the person. They bring the staff to the table and ask them to participate in the discussion. They understand the importance of the environment in which people can openly discuss their opinions.

The City of Friendswood is a beautiful community proud of its heritage and courageous about their future.

I would like to share some personal moments about this group at their best (the only people that will understand or appreciate the comments will be the Council):

• Bill, please think about this before you answer.
• Jim, you are such a gentle person.
• Mike, is lightning speed too slow?
• Leslie, you are going to have to carry the mental load here.
• Mayor, can I see you outside?
• Roger, for the last time I don’t know what I am going to do.

I encourage the three people that read this journal to visit http://www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/. You will enjoy it.

City of El Paso

On November 1, 2008, we decided to take a cross-country business trip from College Station to El Paso. We like to drive because of the freedom it allows us to stop and explore some of the historical sites along the way. Really, there is a lot to explore if you enjoy history. We had the opportunity to visit LBJ State Park in the Hill Country which we found very interesting. Did you know that LBJ had a car that would travel through water, but he would not share this important fact with his passengers as he headed full speed into the river - sounds like LBJ, huh?

On November 2^nd, we arrived in El Paso at 4:30 p.m. Now, remember there was a time change because of daylight savings time and El Paso is one hour behind us (CST). This piece of information is only important if you plan to get to your appointments on time. The clock may say one thing but the body cannot be fooled.

The purpose of going to El Paso was to continue the Strategic Planning Process with Joyce, her Council and Staff. Our experience with the folks of El Paso has always been gentle, gracious and hospitable. We have had the privilege of working with Joyce and her organization for four years. We were impressed with the Leadership Team, because of their talent, professionalism and their ability to work well together. They have a nice balance between seriousness and a sense of humor. Joyce depends heavily on her four Deputy City Managers – Bill, Debbie, Jane and Pat. These five move an organization of approximately seven thousand employees within a community of 700,000. I guess we could recognize them as the El Paso Five.

The Council is still as hungry as they were four years ago in terms of investing in the future of El Paso. They speak with authority in their desire to lead El Paso to its potential. This is what makes El Paso exciting – they are not willing to settle and hunker down because of today’s economy. They use today’s economy to make wise investment decisions to advance El Paso forward.

We invite you to go to www.elpasotexas.gov and see for yourself how this West Texas city is transforming itself. TMC applauds Joyce Wilson and her staff.

I first started writing this journal with these thoughts in mind:

• City Managers will get an opportunity to see what I have learned from them
• The journal will serve as a source of support and encouragement
• City Managers will get a brief view of what others are doing throughout the state of Texas
• At some point I will apply what I have learned within the context of an organization

We will continue to write this journal with these thoughts being our guidelines. As we travel the State, we will offer our comments on controversial issues.

We will also have a newsletter called Confront the Issues. You can subscribe to it by going to our website www.profacilitator.com.