ELGL’s mission is to connect, communicate, and educate. In this ongoing series, ELGL members tell the story of why they chose a local government career.
Rob Cooke (LinkedIn and Twitter) is a leadership coach with over 30 years experience helping leaders and their teams to achieve positive behavioural change and to accelerate their performance. He is the co-author of the highly successful book, “Shared Services: Mining for Corporate Gold”, (Prentice Hall 2000). Rob has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from York University, has a post graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University and holds an ACC certification from the International Coaching Federation.
My story begins….
……over 30 years ago when I first started helping leaders be better. As a leadership coach and advisor and facilitator of leadership events I have had the opportunity to help hundreds of leaders overcome hurdles and become more and more successful. Today I work with great local government leaders who are dedicated to improving their communities.
My friends think that local government is…..
…..a great place to work because of the close relationship between the work they do and the direct impact they have on the people in the community they serve.
The defining moment of my life was….
….when after people told me I had a great deal of unique wisdom that was invaluable to them in achieving their personal, leadership and business goals I became more and more excited about helping others be better leaders.
I am interested in a lengthy local government relationship….
…..if local government leaders recognize the enhanced value that they could provide to their communities if they were better leaders.
I aspire….
…..to enhance the performance of as many local government leaders and their teams as I can.
If you want to interview someone interesting, you should……
…..contact Marshal Goldsmith who has the best insights on leadership issues and what needs to be done for them to enhance their value.
I think more people would pursue a local government career……
……if the relationship between elected officials and employees was clearer and more rationale. Elected officials should not be ‘meddling’ in day-to-day operations, an area where they are not experts. They should focus on establishing the longer term strategic direction and polices for the community and let the experts manage the business of delivering services.
I think professional networking associations are…..
……a great place to share and test ideas and to find out current trends and issues that are impacting peoples success.
I think bumper stickers are……
……telling. Who puts bumper stickers on their vehicles? What is the ultimate purpose? Is this their only method of expression?
My story ends…..
…….with a wish for local government leaders; that they continue to provide the valuable services and community support that makes our cities and municipalities great places to live.
For the next person that you interview, you should ask……
……“what are the highlights of your job?” What was last month’s key positive achievement and what would have made the month better for you?
Supplemental Reading
What Do Leaders Do?
Forget New Year’s Resolutions: How About a Few Simple Goals
What I’ve Learned From The Best Leadership Teams
Characteristics of Great Leaders
Archives
- Kristin Donald, Apex Park and Recreation
- Matt Wojnowski, City of Killeen, Texas
- Paula Dennison, City of Stillwater, OK
- Taylor Paton, City of Richardson, TX
- Brandon Turner, City of Roanoke, VA
- Cassie Tucker, City of Southlake, TX
- Jim Healy, Village of Richfield, WI
- Matt Monedero, City of Garland, TX
- Justin Tramble, State Bar of Georgia
- Aimee Kane, City of Boulder, CO
- Jessica Beise, City of Victoria, MN
- Emily Vincent, City of Olathe, KS
- Toy Beeninga, City of Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Heidi York, Person County (NC) Manager
- Barack Matite, City of Eudora, KS
- Cathy Wilson, Town of Carrboro, NC
- India Adams, Albemarle County, VA
- Derek Matheson, Kent (WA) Chief Administrative Officer
- Darwin Wade, City of Grand Prairie, TX
- Adam Lincoln, City of Lakewood, WA