Enhancing Communication in Local Government: Insights from Our Expert Webinar

Effective communication is crucial for the success of any organization, and local government is no exception. In a recent webinar, LeaderGov gathered over 150 leaders to discuss the challenges and best practices in team communication within local government settings. The insights shared provide a comprehensive look at where communication often breaks down, the typical communication cadence in departments, how information flows up and down the management line, and the impact of body language and tone on productive conversations.

Where Team Communication Usually Breaks Down

Leaders shared the following about communication breakdowns:

• Listening and Engagement: A significant number of participants highlighted issues with not actively listening or engaging in conversations. This lack of engagement can lead to misunderstandings and a breakdown in communication. Notably, over 50% of respondents mentioned...

Most of us think of meetings as boring or dislike them for one reason or another.   So, often they lack real progress, decisions are often avoided, they lack purpose, the wrong people are at the meeting or they last too long.

To avoid this history, here are three principles, you as a leader, can employ for more effective meetings:

• Consistency and clarity of purpose
• Foster healthy team debate
• Meeting agendas and best practices

Consistency and Clarity of Purpose: No one wants to hold a meeting “just to hold a meeting” and one shouldn’t.  Here are just a few reasons why holding regular team meetings can add value to your team.  

1. Regular meetings allow for clarity on projects and assignments
2. They help you reinforce important and timely goals
3. They give you space to discuss and clear roadblocks for near-term goals
4. They’re a great time to do some creative idea sharing around services
5. They’re great for recognizing great performance and...