Certification may improve culture, climate of county board of supervisors

By Ellen Drewes-Stoen, Decorah

I would like to voice my concern about the current dysfunction and “cultural climate” of the supervisors on the Winneshiek County Board. By definition, “culture sets the long-term values and beliefs that shape how things are done, whereas climate reflects the current state and experience of the work environment based on those cultural norms” (Academy to Innovate Human Resources). As Catherine Scott, AIHR manager of editorial content & strategy states, “For culture and climate to function well, in unison, they must be aligned.”

I am going to be bold and suggest that one way the board could function in better unison is to require all members obtain certification as a Certified Iowa County Supervisor. The good news is that the board is halfway there — currently, three board members are certified. I’d like to commend Supervisors Mark Faldet (D2), Steve Kelsay (D5) for obtaining certification, and Shirley Vermace (D3) for becoming re-certified.

These three members are becoming better public servants by taking advantage of professional development and personal growth opportunities. Such training will create better collaboration with others, while fostering a supportive work environment.

The increasing demands placed upon our county supervisors are complex, ever-changing and dynamic. Now, more than ever, in order to successfully meet the needs of constituents, I believe it’s imperative that all supervisors are well-trained and up-to-date in the latest research and best practices involved in Winneshiek County matters. Perhaps Jason Vande Hoef, President Iowa State Association of County Supervisors, says it best: “Certified Iowa County Supervisors are educational leaders.”

Respectfully Submitted,

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