Making Your Mark

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How to Determine and Influence the Agenda For Your Administration

ASCA New Directors TrainingCharlotte, NC

June 9-12, 2011

Gary D. Maynard, SecretaryMaryland Department of Public Safety

and Correctional Services

Making Your Mark

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The agenda will evolve with or without your input

Others inside and outside the organization have their own priorities

It’s easier if you move faster than they do Sometimes fate determines the agenda Making your mark doesn’t require

disrespecting your predecessor

OVERVIEW

Making Your Mark

Making Your Mark

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YOUR “MARK” WILL EVOLVE WITH OR WITHOUT YOUR INPUT

It’s like a train moving under its own power As time goes on, opportunities arise Pick an agenda of value to the state or

organization Your vision will drive your “mark”

Making Your Mark

Making Your Mark

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OTHERS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE ORGANIZATION HAVE THEIR OWN PRIORITIES

They had their plans before you showed up Your boss may have an idea or two They will try politically, personally, socially and

forcefully to get their ideas in

Making Your Mark

Making Your Mark

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IT’S EASIER IF YOU MOVE FASTER THAN THEY DO

Try to determine the different priorities of the stakeholders

If they are reasonable, make them yours Your vision will guide your efforts and

priorities Try to work the priorities of your constituents

into your vision They will push your agenda for you

Making Your Mark

Making Your Mark

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SOMETIMES FATE DETERMINES THE AGENDA

Things happen that you don’t control They may be life changing for you and your

staff If they have value, and meet organizational

needs, capture them If the priorities that evolve match your

bosses’ priorities, that’s good

Making Your Mark

Making Your Mark

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OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

I grew up in the system, and was part of the culture

However, employees did not feel they were valued

Consider that your agenda may appear as an attack on your predecessor

I changed the mission to include employees

Making Your Mark

Making Your Mark

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SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

The Director had been publicly fired Sexual misconduct of staff and inmates was

clearly the issue Drugs as a priority issue evolved I changed the mission to include employees

Making Your Mark

Making Your Mark

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IOWA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Department was not perceived as “in trouble”

I had to wait for the agenda to evolve Suicides and escapes moved to the front Efficiencies are always good to do Brought ACA Accreditation back I changed the mission to include employees

Making Your Mark

Making Your Mark

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MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

Violence/assaults were making national news

Agenda was clear – quickly address staff assaults and violence

Other priority issues have evolved I simplified the mission

Making Your Mark

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CLOSING THE “HOUSE”

The main reason I took the job We closed it quickly and quietly – in 14 days Less than 10 people knew Involved other prominent agencies, media,

and union Spoke to employee safety Engaged BOP, KY & VA ASCA played role from beginning to end

Making Your Mark

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What about now?

Department is running smoother Violence has been reduced dramatically Continue status quo or look to economy and

environmental challenges Both are important to the Governor and

have changed our agenda But created new ways for us to make our

“Mark”

Making Your Mark

Making Your Mark

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LEADERSHIP IS KEY

Create a vision for your Department Understand the difference between authority

and responsibility Focus on the mission and take care of the

people Those things you take responsibility for, you

have power over Work with a set of leadership principles Treat everyone with respect---everyone Enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to serve

Making Your Mark