You'll hear advice to “be yourself” often when talking about government leadership. While authenticity fosters trust, true effectiveness for municipal clerks comes from self-awareness. Knowing when one’s “authentic” response might be clouded by impulse, stress, or unexamined habits. Authenticity vs. Knee-Jerk Reactions Being an authentic leader is not about saying or doing whatever feels "natural" [...]
Municipal clerks handle vital responsibilities that keep cities and towns running smoothly. Whether you’re new to the role or a seasoned professional, purposeful career development can unlock new opportunities and help you thrive in an ever-evolving public sector. Drawing on insights from instructor Rhonda Daley’s Empowering Municipal Clerks for Career Growth, here are actionable tools [...]
If you’re diving into the world of mentorship—whether as a mentee looking for guidance or as a mentor sharing your wisdom—there's so much value to be gained on both sides. Mentorship isn’t just about one person teaching another; it’s an opportunity for both parties to learn and grow together. Let’s explore how you can maximize [...]
As you consider your options for New Year's resolutions, Team ClerkBase wants to remind you that it’s National Mentoring Month, a perfect opportunity for municipal clerks to reflect on the importance of mentorship in your professional lives. Mentorship is not just a buzzword; it’s a vital component of personal and professional development, particularly in the [...]
If you’ve just come through a contentious election season, you might feel drained, overwhelmed, and underappreciated. It's completely normal. Now, while the dust is settling, let's look at some reasons to be grateful for your important role. Acknowledge and Appreciate Your Role in Democracy Since municipal clerks are the backbone of local governance, give yourself [...]
Feeling overwhelmed as a municipal clerk? You're not alone! But you also hold the power to boost your confidence, polish your professionalism, and navigate your work environment. These seven tips may help: Ditch the Comparisons: Comparing yourself to others is a confidence killer. Instead, focus on your own strengths and celebrate your achievements. Remember, everyone [...]
Updated January 2024 Do you sign off your emails? What do you end with? "Best," "Regards," or "Sincerely"? The Career Contessa offers some suggestions if you want to change it up a little. The way we end an email can encapsulate the tone of what we just wrote, and project what we want to happen next. [...]
There are lots of great reasons to become a mentor or mentee. Either way, you learn new things, expand your network, gain self-confidence, and gain new perspectives. The relationship is a great step in career development for both participants. IIMC has a mentorship program for municipal clerks. You can sign up to be either a [...]
In February, everyone's talking about "love." There's plenty to love about a career in local government... and your job is where you spend 8+ hours a day! If you work for your local government, chances are, you already love your job. And if you don't yet, the ICMA has five great reasons why you should. The [...]
"U ROCK" by Caro Wallis is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Whether you're a manager or a coworker, you can make someone's day with a sincere compliment. Most of us love feeling valued and appreciated. It's an easy way to lift someone's mood, and your own, too. In honor of National Compliment Day [...]