Today’s Morning Buzz is by Ariana Adame, Director of Capital Projects for the City of West Sacramento, Calif. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
- What I’m reading: “Green Lights,” by Matthew McConaughey
- What I’m watching: “Paradise” on Hulu
- What I’m listening to: Mary J. Blige
Lucy Van Pelt was my favorite “Peanuts” character growing up. Sure, she was bossy, stubborn, and occasionally exasperating, but she was also confident, witty, and unapologetically herself. As a kid, I admired her take-charge attitude and, if I’m being honest, I probably emulated a few of her traits (not necessarily the better ones). Now, looking back through the lens of leadership and public service, I see Lucy as more than just the comic strip’s resident tough girl with a sharp tongue—she’s a character with surprising lessons for those of us in local government.
Lucy may not be the most conventional role model, but sometimes leadership lessons come from unexpected places. Her strengths (and flaws) highlight the importance of balancing confidence with humility, decisiveness with empathy, and authority with adaptability. Here are a few takeaways from Lucy’s personality—both what to emulate and what to avoid—when serving your community and leading in your organization.
- Confidence is Key—But So Is Listening
Lucy is never short on confidence. Whether she’s running her “Psychiatric Help” booth or giving Charlie Brown unsolicited advice, she speaks with authority. In local government, confidence is essential when making decisions that impact communities. Employees must be willing to take initiative, stand by their expertise, and advocate for equitable and inclusive policies. A strong sense of self-assurance can inspire trust in both colleagues and the public, which is crucial in public service roles.
Lesson: Be confident in your role, but don’t forget to listen. Unlike Lucy, who often talks over others, successful government employees take time to understand community concerns and incorporate feedback before making decisions. Active listening encourages trust, improves policy outcomes, and ensures that decisions are informed by diverse perspectives.
- Adaptability Matters—Be Open to Change
Lucy is notoriously known for pulling the football away from Charlie Brown at the last second, a move that teaches us another lesson: change is inevitable. While her methods may be questionable, they remind us that government employees must be adaptable. Policies, leadership, and community needs shift over time, and those in public service must embrace flexibility. Just as Charlie Brown keeps trying despite the setbacks, public servants must be prepared to pivot when necessary. Times are exponentially unstable for many of us, and this is a great reminder to stay the course.
Resisting change often leads to stagnation, inefficiency, and frustration among constituents. Whether it’s shifting public priorities, new technology, or evolving regulations, those who embrace change are more effective in their roles and better equipped to serve their communities.
Lesson: Don’t resist change—anticipate it. Whether it’s new legislation, evolving technology, or changing community expectations, government employees who remain adaptable will be more effective in their roles. Seek opportunities for connection with your colleagues and lean on the relationships you have built, stay informed about industry trends, and remain open to new ways of thinking.
- Strong Leadership Requires Empathy
Lucy often takes charge, whether it’s leading the “Peanuts” gang in a game or offering her famous 5-cent advice. However, her leadership style can sometimes be dismissive and lacking in empathy. In local government, leading with authority is important, but leading with compassion is even more critical.
Empathy helps bridge the gap between government and the people it serves. It ensures that policies and programs address real needs rather than just bureaucratic requirements. Leaders who take the time to understand the experiences and concerns of their constituents build stronger, more engaged communities. For more on this topic, I would highly recommend anything written by Simon Sinek.
Lesson: True leadership is about serving others, not just being in charge. Employees in local government should ensure that decisions reflect the needs of the people they serve, showing patience and understanding. This means engaging with the community and your team members, actively seeking diverse viewpoints, and making space for inclusive discussions.
- Own Your Mistakes and Learn from Them
Lucy occasionally shows moments of self-awareness (though rare). In one “Peanuts” strip, she admits, “I know my faults. I just don’t care.” While it’s good to be self-aware, accountability matters even more. In local government, mistakes will happen—whether it’s a miscommunication with residents or a policy that doesn’t have the intended outcome. The key is to acknowledge errors, learn from them, and move forward with integrity.
The most effective public servants understand that accountability strengthens credibility. Owning up to mistakes encourages trust, encourages collaboration, and ultimately leads to better decision-making. No one expects perfection, but they do expect honesty and continuous improvement.
Lesson: Government employees should embrace accountability, own their missteps, and continuously improve in their service to the public. Rather than deflecting blame or ignoring problems, take responsibility and seek solutions. Leaders who model accountability inspire those around them to do the same.
- The Power of Teamwork and Delegation
Lucy is often a one-woman show, but even the most capable leaders can’t do it all alone. While she enjoys bossing others around, she rarely delegates effectively or trusts her team. In local government, success depends on collaboration. No single person has all the answers, and the best solutions come from working together.
Public service is inherently a team effort. Effective leaders recognize the strengths of their colleagues, empower others to contribute, and share responsibilities to achieve common goals. Micromanaging or trying to control every aspect of a project only leads to burnout and inefficiency.
Lesson: Strong leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about building a team that works well together. Trust your colleagues, delegate responsibilities, and support a culture of cooperation. Recognize that diverse perspectives lead to stronger, more innovative solutions for your community.
Final Thoughts: Lead Like Lucy—But With a Balanced Approach
Lucy Van Pelt is a natural leader, but she could use a little more patience, humility, and empathy. Local government employees can take inspiration from her confidence and decisiveness while also remembering to listen, adapt, and lead with heart.
By blending Lucy’s fearless energy with a commitment to public service, local government professionals can navigate challenges effectively and make a real impact in their communities—without pulling the metaphorical football away. Whether serving as department heads, front-line employees, or community liaisons, those in government can learn from Lucy’s strengths while avoiding her pitfalls.
So, next time you channel your inner Lucy, ask yourself: Are you leading with confidence and compassion? Are you balancing decisiveness with openness? And most importantly, are you pulling others up instead of pulling the football away?