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#11 Cultivating Curiosity in Public Planning with Lauren Flemister

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Curiosity at Work: Lauren Flemister on Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Community Development

Lauren Flemister, Assistant Director of Planning and Public Works at Pierce County, brings over 17 years of experience in community and regional planning, architecture, and public affairs. She has held leadership roles in the City of Tacoma’s Planning and Development Services Department and the City of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development. In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Lauren shares insights into how curiosity can transform complex work environments and drive effective leadership.

Fostering Curiosity in Complex Work Environments

Lauren believes that curiosity is essential for organizations to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. One of her key approaches is fostering a workplace culture where employees feel safe to ask questions and challenge traditional thinking. By encouraging this kind of curiosity, Lauren ensures her team is equipped to solve problems creatively and effectively.

Bridging Long-Range Planning with Infrastructure Development

In her role at Pierce County, Lauren oversees a diverse range of operations, including road maintenance, airports, and solid waste management. She emphasizes the importance of bridging long-range planning with infrastructure development to create lasting impact. A key focus of her work is ensuring that underserved communities receive the attention and resources they need to thrive. Lauren integrates strategic planning with implementation to make this vision a reality.

Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning and Growth

Lauren’s leadership style is shaped by her background in architecture, urban planning, and public affairs. She views herself as a bridge-builder within the organization, fostering collaboration and innovation. Lauren encourages her team to view obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth, which is especially important as the workforce faces a wave of retirements, known as the “silver tsunami.” By supporting staff development and facilitating seamless knowledge transfer, Lauren ensures that curiosity continues to fuel progress in the workplace.

Strengthening Communities Through Leadership and Curiosity

Lauren’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that curiosity not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens communities. By fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning, she inspires her team to tackle challenges and drive positive change for Pierce County and beyond.

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#LaurenFlemister #PublicPlanning #UrbanPlanning #PierceCounty #CuriosityAtWork #CommunityDevelopment #Leadership #GovernmentLeadership #InfrastructurePlanning #PodcastInterview #StrategicPlanning #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipInsights #CommunityPlanning #PublicWorksManagement #GovernmentAffairs

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#10 Curiosity and Leadership: Michael Jacobson, Deputy Director at King County

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Curiosity at Work: Michael Jacobson on Leadership, Performance Management, and Equity in the Public Sector

In this episode of the Curiosity at Work podcast, Dr. Julie Pham sits down with Michael Jacobson, an award-winning leader in organizational performance management and Deputy Director at King County’s Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget. Michael shares insights from his extensive work establishing King County’s performance management systems, including the creation of the first countywide strategic plan and public performance reporting.

Balancing Strategic Planning and Managing Complex Teams

Michael discusses the complexities of his role and the challenges of balancing strategic planning with managing diverse teams. These teams work on key issues such as criminal legal system reform, homelessness, and community grants. He highlights how practicing curiosity has shaped his approach to leadership, particularly in navigating these complex issues.

Fostering Curiosity in Bureaucratic Systems

A key theme in the conversation is Michael’s emphasis on the importance of creating a work environment where team members feel safe to express curiosity, even within a bureaucratic system filled with rules and limitations. He shares anecdotal experiences, like building relationships through informal lunches with colleagues, that illustrate how fostering curiosity and authentic connections can lead to positive results within large, complex organizations.

Leading with Curiosity and Purpose in the Public Sector

Michael also provides candid thoughts on navigating hierarchy, politics, and equity in government work. He offers a nuanced view of what it takes to lead with curiosity and purpose in the public sector. His experiences reflect how curiosity can overcome challenges and drive positive change, even in the most structured environments.

Michael’s Insights on Equity and Social Justice

The episode also touches on Michael’s unique perspectives on equity and social justice. He discusses his work with the Interbranch Equity Team and his efforts to incorporate equity analysis into performance measurement. Additionally, Michael reflects on the role of historical markers and public narratives, challenging listeners to consider who gets to tell these stories and how they evolve over time.

Valuable Lessons for Public Service and Leadership

This thought-provoking conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in public service, organizational leadership, or cultivating curiosity in a structured environment. Michael’s insights provide a powerful example of how curiosity can drive meaningful change in the public sector and beyond.

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#CuriosityAtWork #Leadership #PerformanceManagement #PublicService #EquityAndSocialJustice #MichaelJacobson #OrganizationalStrategy #Podcast #GovernmentLeadership

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