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In this episode of the Curiosity at Work podcast, Dr. Julie Pham sits down with Michael Jacobson, an award-winning national leader in organizational performance management and the Deputy Director at King County’s Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget. During the conversation, Michael shares insights into his extensive work establishing King County’s performance management systems, including the first countywide strategic plan and public performance reporting. He also dives into the complexities of his role and the challenges of balancing strategic planning with managing diverse teams working on criminal legal system reform, homelessness, and community grants.
Michael discusses how practicing curiosity has shaped his approach to leadership and team dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of creating a work environment where team members feel safe to express curiosity, even in a bureaucratic system filled with rules and limitations. His anecdotal experiences, like building relationships through informal lunches with colleagues, illustrate the positive impact of fostering curiosity and authentic connections within large, complex organizations. Michael’s candid thoughts on navigating hierarchy, politics, and equity in government work provide a nuanced view of what it takes to lead with curiosity and purpose in the public sector.
The episode also touches on Michael’s unique perspectives on equity and social justice, including his experience with the Interbranch Equity Team and his ongoing efforts to incorporate equity analysis into performance measurement. He shares his thoughts on the role of historical markers and public narratives, challenging listeners to reflect on who gets to tell these stories and how they evolve over time. It’s a thought-provoking discussion that offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in public service, organizational leadership, or simply how to cultivate curiosity in a structured environment.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
- LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
- Website:https://curiositybased.com/
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Michael Jacobson:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jacobson-measure
- Website: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/executive/governance-leadership/performance-strategy-budget
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