Training changemakers for careers in City Hall

Title: Manager of talent and organizational effectiveness

City: Louisville, Ky.

The way Kaci Grant sees it, training local government staff to solve problems in new ways does more than provide them with new work skills. It also can inspire them to continue to build their careers in City Hall.

“Government is a great place to start careers, but not many people stay the whole time,” she said. “We’re trying to change that by offering trainings that employees never had access to before.”

Grant coordinates a series of skills-based workshops, somewhat similar to Denver’s Peak Academy, in which employees learn new techniques to spot and implement efficiencies in their work and to sharpen their project management skills.

One offering Grant is particularly proud of is Louisville’s Executive Fellows Program, a year-long program that provides intensive training to staff looking to advance their careers within city government. Already, it’s helped half a dozen employees secure a promotion or new placement. Participants learn how to both manage cross-department projects and how to support them through the city’s data-driven performance management system, LouieStat. They’re also encouraged to share what they learn with their colleagues.

“We’re teaching them how to be change agents,” Grant said. “This way, more people are exposed to data-driven change-making and problem-solving processes.”

Pro Tip: “Train people up and bring them with you instead of just telling them what to do. They’ll catch on faster and will be more supportive.”