#54 - LaShon Ross | Developing Leaders in Local Government

Episode Summary What does it take to develop strong leaders in local government, and why do so many high performers struggle when they move into leadership roles? In this episode of The Clear Voice, James Groom, Clear Vice President and Host of The Clear Voice, is joined by Michael Boese, President of Clear Career Professionals, for a conversation with LaShon Ross, Deputy City Manager for the City of Plano, Texas. With more than 30 years of experience in municipal government, LaShon shares practical insight on leadership development, accountability, and the human side of managing organizations that serve the public. The conversation explores the transition from individual contributor to supervisor, the importance of coaching and difficult conversations, and why technical competence alone is not enough to lead effectively. LaShon also discusses how local governments can strengthen leadership pipelines, improve organizational culture, and better prepare the next generation of public servants. From accountability beyond the spreadsheet to communication, mentorship, and self awareness, this episode provides a clear and practical look at leadership in today’s public sector. Key Topics Leadership development in local government Why high performers struggle in supervisory roles Coaching and difficult conversations Accountability in municipal government Human capital challenges in local government Communication and leadership effectiveness Mentorship and leadership growth About LaShon Ross LaShon Ross is the Deputy City Manager for the City of Plano, Texas, with more than three decades of experience in local government. She has served in key leadership roles including Human Resources Director and Deputy City Manager, with responsibility for organizational development, employee relations, and executive leadership support. After retiring from Plano in 2016, she worked as a professional development facilitator and leadership trainer before returning to the City of Plano in 2022 as Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. She was appointed Deputy City Manager again in 2023. Her work focuses on leadership development, organizational culture, and helping individuals understand their value beyond their work accomplishments. Leadership Takeaways Strong leadership requires more than technical ability. Leaders must be able to manage people, navigate conflict, and communicate effectively across an organization. High performers are often promoted without being prepared for leadership, which can create challenges for both the individual and the organization. Intentional leadership development and coaching are critical to long term success. Accountability in local government extends beyond financial oversight. It includes decision making, communication, and alignment with organizational values and community expectations. Difficult conversations are a necessary part of leadership. Avoiding them can lead to performance issues and reduced trust within teams. Why This Episode Matters Local governments are facing increasing demands while managing workforce challenges and evolving expectations from their communities. Developing strong leaders at every level is essential to maintaining effective, responsive organizations. This episode provides practical insight for professionals looking to grow into leadership roles and for organizations working to build stronger teams. The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. Connect With Clear Career Professionals Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States. Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders. In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership. Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.  Career Opportunities https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro