Small town career advice

[alexplan]

Just started a job as sole Town Planner in a tough, high-turnover, cash-strapped, working class, volatile, very in-your-face, non-progressive, largely built-out community, in the West. Just out of grad school, this is my first 'full-time' professional job. Although I have had plenty of solid public sector experience, I know I was hired for my technical skills, not my negotiating aptitude. I look very young (though I am not), am female, and frankly don't want a job where I have to be so aggressive and tough. During the hiring negotiations, we both questioned the fit, but decided to give it a shot. During these three weeks, I have sensed an open degree of apprehensiveness (some friendly, some not so) from people within and outside of the dept, about this fit- and obviously me too.

I would like to know if the forthcoming example is common in planning at the local level---- what the Town Administrator might not want to deal with he will pass off on me, and I think this may be his style.

For example: when the Town Council finally decides/approves on a volatile development that has many in the community up in arms, the Admin asks me to continue to negotiate with various parties because the public outcry doesn’t stop, and he apparently won’t tell the citizens what they don't want to hear. I feel caught in the middle and at this point uninformed of enough information that I would need to negotiate anything- and if this will be the case on a regular basis, I certainly won't last in this job. Should I tell him this, right off the bat????? The town needs me for many other things, and I need this job, but sometimes I think there is no way I will last in this scene. There are other jobs out there, though without the pay or opportunities of this one (if it works out) so early in my career. ANY advice you can give, thank you.....

[Masswich]

You're in a tough, but common position. My advice, for what its worth, is to lay as low as possible and avoid taking the hit for anything. In other words, don't tell the Town Administrator or anyone else in power what they don't want to hear unless you are explicitly asked your opinion (unlikely.) Then, after a year (or so) start looking for a new job. With your current position under your belt you should be able to line something better off. Its a slightly cowardly route but it protects your reputation until you get somewhere more supportive.

In giving you this advice I assume that (a) you need a job financially and (b) you want to stay in planning even after this mediocre experience. I was in a somewhat similar situation in my first post-grad school job, and ended up leaving after nine months for a job I loved.

Good luck, and happy to help you more if you want to PM me. Since you are in New England I may be able to help a bit with networking, too.

[mike gurnee]

Good advice, Mass. And: you are implementing what the council decided; it is not yours. When it comes to codes, it is never "I cannot allow that" rather, "the code does not allow that".

[Cardinal]

Adding to Mike's advice: "The code does not allow that. Let's figure out some options for you."

For many people, their first job out of grad school is only meant to get some experience under their belt. Plan to stay 1-2 years and no longer, unless it turns out to be good. Spend that time networking and getting active in a couple state organizations, especially those related to your particular areas of interest.

[luckless pedestrian]

I agree with Masswich - inhale as much as you can about this community before you exhale

do you report to the Town Admin? if so, this person is always the bottom line, unless it's illegal or unethical, you gotta do it

PM me - I also work in New England, way up north, downeast...

negotiations are really just finding common ground and then running with it - it's people skills - you likely have more than you know, you just need practice is all - every planner position requires this skill so push your envelope and give yourself a whirl

if you still find the fit isn't right, look for a job where you report to a director of planning so that you can work on obtaining these skills in a less risky and stressed environment

[MacheteJames]

The Town Administrator is throwing the monkey, so to speak. This happens commonly to planners and is where the "hired scapegoat" stereotype comes from.

You certainly sound smart and capable from your post and will definitely have some good war stories out of this experience. You'll have to leave your comfort zone for a bit as you build up your negotiating skills. I'd stay there until something better comes along and then get out. If this is the culture of the municipality then nothing you do will change it, and the job is not worth your sanity & health in the long term. This place is a great resource/mental safety valve so take full advantage of the support all of us can offer you.

[Joe Iliff]

All planners have many customers to serve, especially in the kind of position you are describing. Whatever you do, you'll probably generate complaints as not everyone will get what they want, and you might well become the focal point of their frustration, though you aren't the real cause. I'd try to establish with your administrator what his expectations are. If he understands your position, and that the job of town planner will generate negative feedback, not necessarily your performance in that job, just the nature of the job itself, you'll have some cover.

[Dan Staley]

All good advice above. Use it all. In addition, what I find helpful are these rules:

- Never say 'but'. Say 'and'.
- Don't say 'no'. Say something like: "I don't think that's gonna work, let's double check to be sure and see what we can do to make this happen'.
- Always 'we', not 'I'.
- The Town Manager likely has a different agenda than you. Make it look like the two are the same somehow.
- All you can do is the best you can do. Don't win every battle - pick the good ones and let the rest go.
- Don't take anything personally. Everyone has baggage they wish they didn't have, and some want you to take it off their hands. Your hands are already full.
- I try to make it look like others solve the problem, esp the applicant. Again - you are not saying 'no', you are giving options.

- When people understand that you helped them solve their own problem instead of you solving it for them, your credibility will go way up.

- Find a champion in the community. Use them.
- You are going to be tested. Make it look like the test is fun. Smile a lot.
- You are not going to change anybody - they must change themselves. Help them a little, but not too much - wisdom consists of correcting a great deal, but not too much.

I prefer small towns. It is much easier to see human nature on display, and much more rewarding too.

We should be careful to get out of an experience all the wisdom that is in it -- not like the cat that sits on a hot stove lid. She will never sit down on a hot lid again -- and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore. -- Mark Twain

You'll figure it out. Give yourself a chance.

Go git 'em.