Focus on Leadership and Management

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Register for the Principles of Public Works Self-Assessment Workshop

December 15, 2021
12:30–3:30 p.m. CT

This virtual workshop has been developed with a focus on understanding the practices and completing the self-assessment process using the manual and software. Public works self-assessment provides opportunities for continuous improvement for your overall operations, ultimately leading to better quality of life for your community.

Registration is $100 for members; $150 for non-members.

Register Now

Take the Ethics in Public Works eCourse

This two-course program is designed for individuals that are interested in exploring ethics; as it applies personally, professionally, in supervision and in management. Course materials provide practical advice on ethics, and emphasize the importance of ethical behavior in personal and professional interactions. It provides real-world examples, as well as advice in dealing with the non-technical aspects of our profession.

In December, all APWA eCourses are 20% off. Use coupon code LMS20.

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Take the Habits of Dysfunctional Leaders eCourse

Identify, manage and avoid dysfunctional leadership habits. Leadership teams can be an organization’s greatest strength or its greatest weakness, based on leadership styles and habits. Dysfunctional leaders have a big impact on an organization; from team productivity to employee morale, leaders are pivotal to team dynamics and productivity. Even great leaders are not great 100% of the time. It is important for leaders to commit to self-awareness, solid relationships and accountability. This course will help leaders identify areas that may need improvement. It will also help employees identify dysfunctional leaders and determine how to successfully work with individuals who employ these behaviors.

In December, all APWA eCourses are 20% off. Use coupon code LMS20.

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Download the Leadership Characteristics Infographic Poster

APWA’s Leadership & Management Committee encourages public works professionals to adopt five leadership characteristics as they work to improve the quality of life for all.

 

Read the 2021 Leadership & Management Committee's Reporter Series: Learning Leadership

Being an effective public works leader is a combination of essential leadership characteristics, continued learning, and inspiring a problem-solving team environment. The 2021 series outlines and defines a framework and leadership approach in public works.

Advance Your Career in Leadership and Management

Public Works Administration: Supervision and Management
It is no longer enough for a public works leader to be technically competent. Successful public works managers and supervisors also must have the ability to lead, manage, inspire, and communicate. This publication—the "Yellow Book"—discusses supervisory techniques; delves into basic management, communication, and leadership skills; and considers dimensions of community service and customer orientation skills.

Public Works Administration: Operations
APWA’s new “Blue Book,” a companion to Public Works Administration: Supervision and Management, focuses on the external environment of public works with such issues as finance, law, and fundamentals of government. It also includes an overview of public works operations and concludes with one of the most important aspects of public works leadership—creating the future.


Emerging Leaders Academy
A year-long national program, the Emerging Leaders Academy provides intensive leadership and management training within the context of public works.

Class of 2021 Project Final Report, "Public Works at Home," is NOW available!


CPWP-M logoCertified Public Works Professional-Management (CPWP-M)
For public works managers, superintendents and supervisors ready for management positions.

 Read more in the APWA Reporter:
Why I earned my CPWP-M
Ron Simpson, CPWP-M Public Works Manager City of Arroyo Grande, California

Commit to Excellence with APWA Accreditation

Self-assessment is a valuable tool for determining how an agency's policies, procedures, and processes compare to recommended practices identified by nationally recognized experts in the field of public works. Accreditation through self-assessment provides opportunities for continuous improvement for your overall operations, ultimately leading to better quality of life for your community.

Public Works Management Practices Manual
Developed by and for public works professionals, the widely used Public Works Management Practices Manual updates and improves statements that describe the basic criteria and procedures necessary to perform as a full-service public works agency and provides the framework for the objective self-evaluation of an agency.

Accreditation Roadmap Poster
Begin your self-assessment journey in the right direction. APWA is pleased to provide you with a five-phase roadmap, taking you from self-assessment to accreditation. The roadmap is a visual tool which can be used to motivate and guide staff. Share it when introducing the program, display in gathering places or hallways and include it in progress reports shared with staff or leadership. The five self-assessment phases identify when elements of the process should be performed, how to organize information, issues to consider, and formulation of a starting approach.

  • Phase 1: Self-Assessment
  • Phase 2: Application
  • Phase 3: Improvement
  • Phase 4: Evaluation
  • Phase 5: Accreditation

Start the self-assessment journey for continuous improvement today.