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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 Professional Service ContractAGENDA ITEM # 10 Page 1 of 4 MEETING DATE:February 16, 2022 TO: Board of Directors FROM:Brian Wright, General Manager SUBJECT:Consideration for Approval of a Professional Services Contract with Public Private Ventures for Leadership Development Consulting APPROVED BY Brian C. Wright, General Manager RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the General Manager to execute a professional Services contract with Public Private Ventures for leadership and organizational development consulting work not to exceed the amount of $50,000. DISCUSSION: BACKGROUND INFORMATION In May, 2021 the District adopted its 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, establishing a robust set of strategic goals and initiatives, and for the first time in many years establishing a comprehensive and transparent plan for delivery of service to our community. The development of the strategic plan began with the Board engaging in multiple public and off-site workshops in establishing a vision for the District, its employees and the communities it serves. Through the process of the strategic plan development, the District conducted a community survey and multiple focus group meetings to ensure the newly adopted goals and initiatives were in alignment with the community needs. Both the community survey and focus group engagements were extremely valuable in putting together a comprehensive and informed strategic plan. Page 2 of 4 In addition to developing the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, the District has recently engaged in the process of establishing a set of core values to serve as the navigational guidelines in pursuit of our vision. Exploring our own organizational personalities, ethics, relationships and behaviors, staff across all levels worked collaboratively in identifying the six core values, representing how we will achieve our mission. Safety Communication Integrity Accountability Timeliness Work-Life Balance NEW INFORMATION The District’s Executive Leadership Team has recently recruited and hired recruits to fill two key positions, Water Utility Director and Information Technology Director, to join the team in late February and early March. Each of these positions are critical to the success and sustainability of the organization, and solidify the organizational leadership team. The recruitment and hiring process for each of these positions were built upon the fundamental principles of the District’s core values. Recognizing the importance the values hold in the leadership, guidance, and development for the entire District staff, they were incorporated into the recruitment materials and interview process. For the recruitment of these two positions, the District incorporated a new approach to the hiring process that included an off-site leadership exercise where each of the final candidates and the District’s executive leadership team (ELT) participated together as one of the phases in the interview process. The off-site exercise was designed and facilitated by Robb Etnyre with Public Private Ventures, incorporating the District’s Core Values and key principles of organizational leadership. The exercises afforded both the candidates and staff to gain a better understanding of individual communication styles, approaches to leadership, critical thinking skills and interpersonal skillsets. Furthermore, the timing of the exercises, placed the ELT and the candidates out in the elements, just as the intense winter storms rolled into the Truckee area in mid-December 2021. This was a unique opportunity for the candidates to experience one of the critical elements of winter life in Truckee, often having significant impact on making the decision to move into the region. The additional weather element also provided an opportunity to observe the candidate’s approach to leadership and communication in difficult conditions that is not easily replicated in the traditional employment interview formats. Following the recruitment and hiring off-site with Public Private Ventures, staff had the opportunity to debrief as a group, on the value of the experience. One of the common thread in each individual experience was the opportunity to engage with the candidates Page 3 of 4 and each other in an arena outside of our normal work environment and to build leadership skillsets as a team. Based upon the experiences during the recruitment and hiring process of the new Water Utility Director and Information Technology Director, staff has recognized the tremendous value to the District in continuing an onboarding and team development plan for 2022, including professional leadership development and exercises. In coordination with the District’s onboarding plan, staff is recommending the procurement of leadership consulting services offered by Public Private Ventures to: Align organizational values with the hiring and onboarding process for senior leadership positions Develop an ongoing series of quarterly leadership exercises to reinforce team development and values Public Private Ventures and Robb Etnyre offer proven methodologies, facilitated by extremely qualified, and experienced personnel. The series of exercises are designed as a continuation of the District’s recently developed recruitment and hiring process, to ensure the successful onboard and integration of two critical new team members, and continued development of the executive leadership team. The methodologies and leadership tools gained through the program will be further utilized in team building and leadership of the entire TDPUD staff, including mid-management and operational leadership teams. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: Strategic Plan Goals: Manage for financial stability and resiliency Take the best of private sector thinking to modernize the utility and add value to our communities Developing an inclusive culture drives organizational integration and success Objectives: 1.Responsibly serve the public 3.Provide reliable and high quality water supply and distribution systems to meet current and future needs 4.Provide reliable and high quality electric supply and distribution systems to meet current and future needs 5.Manage the District in an effective, efficient and fiscally responsible manner Page 4 of 4 FISCAL IMPACT: The District’s Budget includes $53,000 in 2022 and $55,000 in 2023 for professional development. The contract approval amount is for up to $50,000. Staff will return to the Board for additional authorizations if necessary. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: None ATTACHMENTS: None