ASPA President Meredith Newman Speaks of ASPA’s Potential International Leadership Role

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photo of Capt. Robert Becker
Captain Robert Becker

Each panelist provided key actions and lessons they’ve learned that have kept their employees engaged and committed to the mission of the organization.

Captain Becker noted that because morale is critical, he continually reminds his employees of the dedication it took to complete basic training and that he or she has been chosen from the many initial applicants to serve his or her community. Sometimes it is important to remind individuals that this job is a calling and an honor and that each one of them owes everyone they serve respect, stated Captain Becker.

photo of Kyle Sonnenberg
Kyle Sonnenberg

Sonnenberg builds employee morale by trying to relate to staff as individuals and recognizes each employee once a year by sending a hand-written letter thanking the employee for his/her service to the City of Newark.

photo of Kim Kostes
Kim Kostes

Kostes, Community Relations Officer for the Food Bank of Delaware, has had to find creative and innovative ways to provide additional food to meet the increasing demands in the community and relies heavily on collaboration through new resources and commitment from volunteers and a limited number of dedicated staff.

 

photo of Meaghan Brennan
Meaghan Brennan

Brennan recently experienced lean times as a state of Delaware employee; employees have endured a 2.5 percent pay cut, a state hiring freeze, increased workloads, travel freezes, and additional cost-cutting measures that have been put in place statewide. She noted that during these times it is critical to recognize employees any way you can, even if it means a brown-bag lunch and a simple recognition picnic.

Dr. Newman succinctly summarized the panelists’ key points in two words—“people first.”

Newman wrapped up the evening by noting that collaboration and partnership are not taught in the typical classroom curriculum but they are essential tools in the field of public administration. Showing care and concern for your co-workers and employees and putting “people first” are important tools in creating a successful and positive working environment.

Overall, the evening was a great success. DAPA members and guests were able to learn from and engage in dialogue with the evening’s speakers about their strategies for leading staff, fostering positive work environments, and motivating employees, volunteers, and stakeholder groups during times of financial uncertainties and stress. The evening ended with mingling and conversation.

Prior to her career in academia, Dr. Newman served with the Australian Foreign Service, the U.S. Department of State, and the World Bank. Her areas of expertise include public management, human resources and gender, and the emotive aspects of work. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Public Administration Review’s Editors’ Choice Award. Her book, titled Emotional Labor: Putting the Service in Public Service (Mary Guy and Sharon Mastracci, co-authors), is the recipient of two Best Book awards.

article by Martha Corrozi Narvaez, photos by Mark Deshon

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