Coaching & Team-Building Programs

While each organization has unique goals and needs for establishing a mentoring program, The Waters Consulting Group’s approach centers around the development of a competency model using the CareerNavigator™ System. Through this resource, mentors and mentorees have an objective resource from which to start and measure progress.

The following Coaching and Mentoring Program was developed for the Texas City Management Association (TCMA), and is similar to the program developed by the California Chapter of International City Management Association. The components created for TCMA included the following:

1. Training for Coaches and Mentors:

• One-half day training session on CareerNavigator™ Competency Model & Assessment to focus on interpretation of Development Report and goal-setting
• Development and presentation of four training modules annually by WCG senior consultants and/or TCMA Coach on those competencies with greatest need by participants based on evaluation of group reports.

2. Coaching Telephone Panel Discussions:

• Scheduled six times during the year of one-hour in duration
• Topics focus on competencies represented in all three City Manager models
• Procedure includes panelists (determined by Moderator) and participants who will call into a designated telephone via conference call mode at pre-set dates and times.

3. One-to-One Coaching:

• Designed for new or aspiring city managers who would be assigned to an approved, experienced city manager to address specific competency gaps
• Coaches would be identified as “subject matter experts” based upon their experience along with results from the CareerNavigator™ Assessment Survey
• Coaching sessions would encompass 2-6 sessions with each coach

4. E-Coaching Program:

• Format would be a monthly e-magazine sent to participants and coaches
• Participants would e-mail questions on topics regarding career issues in city management which are forwarded anonymously to a team of TCMA coaches.
• These questions and answers would be printed in the TCMA Newsletter

5. Regional Networking Meetings:

• Facilitated by Regional Manager Groups to promote interaction between local city managers, senior department directors, and those seeking career development assistance
• Topics would be determined by needs and suggestions of participants and program leaders