In local government, an engaged team isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. When employees feel connected, valued, and motivated, productivity increases, collaboration thrives, and the organization better serves the community. Yet, many leaders struggle with engagement, facing challenges such as remote work, communication barriers, and team members who are resistant to change.
In a recent LeaderGov podcast episode, host Bill Stark sat down with Stan Wilson, Director of Health and Human Services and Community Development for Fulton County, Georgia. With extensive leadership experience across multiple local government agencies, Stan shared invaluable insights on how leaders can build engaged, high-performing teams. His practical approach, developed over years of leading diverse teams, provides a roadmap for any leader looking to foster a culture of engagement.
Before improving engagement, it’s crucial to assess where your team currently stands. A recent survey found that:
The goal for any leader should be to move from "average" to "highly engaged." Here’s how.
People engage more when they enjoy their work environment. Leaders who foster fun and creativity see greater participation, better morale, and stronger relationships.
Stan Wilson emphasized the importance of making engagement an enjoyable process:
“When I look at engagement, I try to make it fun—getting away from the day-to-day and doing things that make people feel excited to be part of the team.”
Consider implementing:
Engagement should never feel like just another meeting—it should be an experience employees look forward to.
Many government agencies operate in hybrid or fully remote environments, making team connection even more critical. If your team is virtual, try these tactics:
Explore more teamwork strategies on LeaderGov's blog.
3. Shift Team Meetings from Updates to Engagement Opportunities
Too often, team meetings become routine checklists rather than opportunities to strengthen engagement. To combat this, consider:
As Stan Wilson explained, participation transforms engagement:
“When leaders make room for others to contribute—whether it’s leading a discussion or taking charge of an initiative—team members feel valued and invested in the organization’s success.”
Discover how Teamwork Summit can transform your staff meetings.
4. Overcome Resistance to Engagement
Not every employee will immediately embrace new engagement strategies. Some may be skeptical, while others may actively resist change. Leaders can address this by:
Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Impact
Improving engagement doesn’t require a massive overhaul—sometimes, the smallest changes have the biggest impact. Start by introducing just one or two of these strategies, then build from there. The result? A more motivated, collaborative, and high-performing team that delivers better results for the communities you serve.
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