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Agents of ChangeToolbox to

Changing the Face of

Public Works

Class

XI

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The Mission

Discuss the socioeconomic issues affecting

public service organizations

Generational Differences

Cultural and Diversity Changes in the Workforce

Misleading Public Perception

Technological Deficiencies

Learn proven strategies to mitigate barriers and

bridge gaps between the past, present, and

future of Public Works

The Danger of Status Quo

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Perceptions of Public Works – The Past

Describing Public Works Today

What 3 words describe APWA/Public Works?

• Service to Public

• Community, Integrity,

Trust

• First to Respond

• Last to Leave

• Power of Collaboration

• Old White Men

• Lack of Diversity

• My family's future

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Perceptions of Public Works –

The Present

The Power of a Perspective Shift

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What is Culture?

The Governmental workforce has

made little progress in

ensuring greater ethnic, racial, and gender diversity.

Recognizing Stereotypes

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Recognizing Stereotypes in Public Works

• Intentionally work to unlearn biases and stereotypes.

• Identify solutions that are equitable, realistic and achievable.

Set goals that change cultural

attitudes about women in non-

traditional occupations.

Recognizing Stereotypes in Public Works

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1. Address intolerance, fear, and ensure the safety and respect of every individual in the organization

2. Small changes made consistently, and introduced over a period of time, with the intent that it will foster habitual change in individual’s behavior

Strategies For Changing Workplace

Culture

xx

Benefits of a Diverse Workforce

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How to Intentionally Engage and Attract

a Diverse Workforce

• Break down stereotypes• Engage in programs to target minority

groups• Set an example• Move away from what is comfortable

and think of what is ahead

• Encourage new employees to get involved

• Don’t forget front line staff• Help staff “Find their voice”• create opportunities for employees to

be your ”Agents of Change” • Train your supervisory level employees

to not only manage but to coach and

mentor.• Attract new, and support existing

leadership

Why Do We Need to Address Cultural

Issues?

Abuse of power

Bullying

Favoritism,

Discrimination.

Poor communication

Organizational

manipulation

High turnover

Low morale

Distrust

Fear within

PROBLEM RESULT

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What is the Solution for Addressing

Cultural Issues?

Promote training, communication and transparency

Create and foster an environment of inclusion

Build a culture based upon

Respect, Integrity and Responsiveness for all.

Our Generations

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Silent Generation (Ages 73 – 90)

•Shaped by the Great Depression & the Dust Bowl.•Values family, country, loyalty, and hard work.•Strives to do the right thing, even when it is difficult.

Baby Boomers (Ages 54 – 72)

•Born at the conclusion of WW II.•Shaped by the Vietnam War era.•Optimistic and believe they can change the world.•Service-oriented and team players, yet also rebellious.

Generation X (Ages 38 – 53)

•Shaped by the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Watergate Scandal, and Operation Desert Storm.•Known as “latch-key kids.”•Fun, laid back, and independent.•Willing to take risks and sees everyone as equals.

Millennials (Ages 22 – 37)

•Shaped by 9/11 and the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.•Also shaped by internet explosion and rapid advancement of technology.•Value cooperation, flexibility, and adaptability.•Embrace change and open-minded.

Current Generations in

Public Works Survey

Silent 1928 - 1945

(1%)

Baby Boomer 1946 - 1964

(38%)

Generation X 1965 - 1980

(43%)

Millennials 1981 - 2000

(18%)

Generational Survey Participants

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What Did We Find?

74% of those polled have witnessed or experienced communication issues between different generations

56% of those polled believe productivity in their organization has been affected by generational differences

Differences between

generations, real or

perceived, cause issues

both within and outside of

an organization

What Does It All Mean?

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Attracting Future Generations

Only 16% of our survey respondents were

Millennials currently working in Public Works

Why?

Survey results indicate that they believe that

salary doesn’t compete

Technology is “behind the times”

They just aren’t aware of Public Works Careers

Adapting the Workplace to

Generational Differences Training

Mentoring & Collaboration

Teambuilding Opportunities

Policy Changes

Technology

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So how do we address these problems?

Outreach - early and often

School – Career days

Community Events – Farmer’s Markets, city parades, Block parties, festivals, etc.

Social Media – 71% of Millennials use the internet as their primary source of information

Mobile Apps

More Strategies…

Messaging and Perception

Highlight the Service aspect of Public works

Diversity – Millennials expect it!

Recruit, recruit, recruit

Focus on what millennials care about

Flexibility

Technology

Service

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Benefits Of A Multi-

Generational Workforce

A larger pool of talents, skills and experiences

Increased Innovation

Higher Employee Performance

Improved Employee/Customer Satisfaction

Technology IS the Future

New Digital Tools in the Workplace

New Industries

New Jobs and Departments

Public Works agencies are limited in

Technology Gains

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Technologies In Public Works

Daily Use Technologies

Smart phone, tablet, computer,

communication devices, etc.

Do most people see these as “needed”

devices?

A workplace that lacks these

technologies will feel distant from

everyday life for the younger worker

Needed for the younger generations joining

the workforce

Asset and Personal Management

Technologies

GIS Database

Digital Archival Systems

Social Media

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Maintenance and Operations Innovations

Connected Fleets

Automated Maintenance Vehicles

Scheduling / Routing

Design and Construction Methods

Modular Construction

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

3D Design Software

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A Technology Driven Workplace

Today, the workplace environment is very important

to job satisfaction and motivation, which is different

than what most born before 1985 experienced at the

beginning of our careers

New Communication Tools and Emerging

technologies in Public Works are aimed at safety,

efficiency of labor, and smarter use of public funds.

Mobile Workstations for the new workforce

How to make Public Works a

Technology Company

Today there is a blurred line between technology

companies and non-technology companies,

because essentially all companies and industries

are now technology driven.

Emerging technologies in Public Works are aimed at

safety, efficiency of labor, and smarter use of public

funds.

Challenges that Public Works will face while

adapting to new technologies

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Technology for the Future of Public Works

Organization: reallocate positions to leverage

emerging technologies

Recruitment: value technology to attract next

generation of PW professionals

Public: use technology to meet the everchanging

expectations of the public

Perceptions of Public Works –

The Future

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“A Viewpoint on Women in Public Works”, July 2006Augie Chang, Vice President, Pountney Psomas, San Diego, California; member, APWA Diversity Committee

Flip Bombardier, Assistant City Manager of Operations, City of Gastonia, North Carolina; member, APWA Diversity

Committee

Room to improve on women's issues in public works:• Gaining credibility, respect, recognition, and pay. • Desire for more awareness of women's public works roles by their male counterparts.• Women sometimes felt "isolated," by both sheer numbers, and by standard

stereotypes.

Changing Perceptions

The same discussions from 12 years ago are being discussed today.

What progress has been made in 12 years?

New Tools in the Perception Toolbox

Social Media

Public Engagement/Transparency

Educate students about the many possibilities in

Public Works.

Look at the community you operate in and develop

a strategy to make your workforce resemble that

community

Public Works First Responders

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Diverse divisions within the larger scope of public

works

Concerns the Public

Outreach and Education

Sending the Right Message

.

Environmental Accountability

Who are the Agents of Change?

They are… They…

Men

Women

Wives

Mothers

Husbands

Fathers

Millennials

Baby Boomers

Generation Xers

Engineers

Painters

Crafty

Creative

Determined

Leaders

Have Babies

Have Fur Babies

Run Marathons

Brew Beer

Possess Degrees

Ride Motorcycles

Dance Horses

Wear Pants

Have a Voice

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We are the Agents of Change!

We’re not your average group of Public Works employees AND we are a reflection of the modern world of Public Works.

Emerging Leaders Academy

Class XI• Rachel Conrad• Rogelio Flores• Justin Hetu• John F. Howard• Travis Laughlin• Kamron Nielson• Natalie Osborn• Jack Plaunty• Andrew Raessler• Lia Rogers• Risha Rushton• Devin Starnes• Renee Tyler• Arturo Vivar• Dylan H. Ward• Sherry Wright

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Presented at the APWA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Diversity Lunch & Learn by:

Lia RogersProject and Policy Officer

District of ColumbiaDepartment of Public Works

Email: Lia.Rogers@dc.govDirect: (202) 645-5142