Windham Brannon
ADDICTIVE LEADERSHIP
ADDICTIVE LEADERSHIP
The dedicated leaders of Adams County, Colorado, faced a significant challenge in the wake of the pandemic. Despite their commitment to improving residents' quality of life through transportation, housing, and public works, the team found themselves saying "yes" to everything. Their days were filled with low-value distractions and endless meetings, which destroyed their ability to achieve critical goals like comprehensive public health offerings and better environmental services.
Katie McDougal, the Director of Human Services, invited Michael Brody-Waite to a one-day retreat to help leaders commit to authenticity. The team applied Addictive Leadership's 3 Principles to create change and reclaim their time: - Rigorous Authenticity: The team established a monthly meeting to openly discuss what they had said "no" to and how they were being authentic at work. - Surrender the Outcome: Leaders conducted one-on-one sessions to work through outcomes while positively impacting communication. - Do Uncomfortable Work: The team prioritized a commitment to saying 'No' to unproductive tasks to create a clearer focus.
By applying these principles, Adams County leadership achieved the following: - Reallocated 200+ hours to better serve staff and constituents. - Saved 4 people from unnecessary hour-long meetings each week. - Established a committee that applies the 3 Principles for maximum collaboration between the community and staff. - Leaders now meet monthly to reinforce learnings and foster an open culture.
“The difference was noticed immediately and we are now aligned with the core vision and mission and what we want to achieve together.”
Katie McDougal, Director of Adams County Department of Human Services
