SR-092308-1K~' it
~;tYa, City Council Report
Santa Monica
City Council Meeting: September 23, 2008 ~ ° k,
Agenda Item:
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kathryn Vernez, Assistant to the City Manager, Community &
Government Relations
Subject: Organizational Development and Training Services
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate
and execute an amendment in the amount of $40,000 to the professional
services contract with Glaser & Associates, Inc. to provide organizational
development and training services for City staff in FY2008-09 for a new contract
amount of $105,000.
Executive Summary
Over the past two years, training to improve on the skills and abilities of staff has
been a priority. Glaser & Associates, Inc. has worked with the City to provide
organizational development and training services for the City's Executive and
Leadership Teams. The City has used Glaser & Associates, Inc. for specific
training in "Breakthrough Conflict" and "Hardwiring Teamwork," with positive
results for both. As a result of these trainings, members of the Executive and
Leadership Teams have implemented more efficient meetings, created an
internal "Coaching Team" and identified next steps in the City's organizational
development needs. The continued services of Glaser & Associates, Inc. are
required in order to provide the "Breakthrough .Conflict" and "Hardwiring
Teamwork" to other workgroups and departments within the City, refine and
implement the internal "Coaching Team" and launch a public presentation
component. Funds for Glaser & Associates, Inc.'s services are available in the
adopted budget.
Discussion
Glaser & Associates, Inc. has provided organizational development and training
services to a multitude of clients at the local, state, and federal level. Their
ongoing work with the United States Senate includes assisting a bipartisan group
of Chiefs of Staff to reach consensus on national legislation and policies. In
addition, Glaser & Associates, Inc. is well renowned for their work through the
International City/County Management Association and with government leaders
across the nation.
Glaser & Associates, Inc. were originally selected by the City Manager's Office
due to their extensive experience in communication skills, workplace culture,
team building and conflict resolution - as demonstrated by their work through the
International City/County Management Association. They have been engaged
with the City of Santa Monica since June 2007 in launching two programs with
the Executive and Leadership Teams - "Breakthrough Conflict" and "Hardwiring
Teamwork." The "Breakthrough Conflict" program included training in: the
significance of clear communication, a model for responding to criticism, a model
for raising controversial issues, and the importance of employee and work results
recognition. The "Hardwiring Teamwork" program included training in:
collaborative partnerships, group facilitation skills, and collaborative problem
solving. City staff has effectively utilized the toolkits and skills learned from these
programs. In addition, a group of internal "Coaches" on these models is in
formation to offer coaching on these skills for workgroups within the. City.
Staff recommends that the City maintain the. services, of Glaser & Associates,
Inc. in order to provide the "Breakthrough Conflict" and "Hardwiring Teamwork" to
other workgroups and departments within the City, refine and implement the
internal "Coaching Team," and launch the public presentation program. The
persuasive public speaking program will provide additional skill training for staff
reports, council and community presentations.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
Funds. in the amount of $40,000 are available in account number 01207.555061
for organizational development and training services.
Prepared by:
Kanani Brown, Intern to the City Manager's Office
to Council:
i Vernez P. mont Ewell
nt to the City Manager for ity Manager
mity and Government Relations
Reference Contract No.
8981 (CCS)