Culture Matters: Building Resilient Teams in Local Government
- truthaboutlocalgov
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
In the ever-evolving landscape of local government, one truth remains constant: people are the point. This is the central message of Jenni Catron’s Culture Matters, a practical and inspiring guide to building resilient, high-performing teams. For local government officers, where collaboration, trust, and service are paramount, Catron’s insights offer a blueprint for cultivating a culture that not only survives but thrives.
Why Culture Matters in Local Government
Culture is often misunderstood as something intangible or secondary to strategy. But as Catron argues, “If your culture is not healthy, your strategy is irrelevant” . In local government, where teams must navigate political pressures, public scrutiny, and limited resources, a strong culture is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Culture is the invisible force that shapes how teams behave, communicate, and solve problems. It determines whether staff feel valued, whether innovation is encouraged, and whether the public receives the service it deserves.
The Five Culture Matters
Catron outlines five key principles, what she calls the “Culture Matters”, that are essential for building an unstoppable team . Each one is deeply relevant to the challenges and opportunities faced by local government officers.
1. People Matter
“Culture is the stewardship of people in pursuit of a mission” .
This powerful statement reframes leadership as a responsibility to care for and develop people. In local government, where teams are often stretched thin, it’s easy to focus on tasks over relationships. But Catron reminds us that people are not a means to an end, they are the mission.
To show that people matter:
Get to know your team’s passions, strengths, and concerns.
Invest in their development through training and mentoring.
Celebrate their contributions and milestones.
When people feel seen and supported, they bring their best selves to work. This translates into better service for the public.
2. Purpose Matters
“Purpose is a core human need for flourishing”.
In public service, purpose is often assumed, it’s in the job description. But Catron challenges leaders to make purpose explicit and personal. It’s not enough to have a mission statement on the wall. Leaders must connect each team member’s role to the broader impact of their work.
In practice, this means:
Regularly communicating the “why” behind decisions.
Sharing stories of how local government work changes lives.
Helping staff align their personal values with organisational goals.
A strong sense of purpose keeps teams motivated, especially during times of change or crisis.
3. Clarity Matters
“Clarity is a chief indicator of the health of your culture” .
Ambiguity breeds frustration, disengagement, and conflict. In local government, where policies and procedures can be complex, clarity is a gift.
Leaders can foster clarity by:
Setting clear expectations and goals.
Communicating consistently and transparently.
Providing regular feedback and guidance.
Clarity empowers teams to act confidently and collaboratively. It reduces misunderstandings and builds trust.
4. Communication Matters
Catron emphasises that “communication is the vehicle of culture” . It’s not just about what is said, but how, when, and by whom. In local government, where information flows across departments, elected officials, and the public, communication must be intentional and inclusive.
Effective communication involves:
Listening actively and empathetically.
Tailoring messages to different audiences.
Encouraging open dialogue and feedback.
When communication is strong, teams feel informed, included, and aligned.
5. Leadership Matters
“Leadership is sacred work,” Catron says . It’s not about titles or authority, it’s about influence and responsibility. Every team member, regardless of role, can shape culture. But leaders set the tone.
In local government, leadership means:
Modelling the values you want to see.
Making decisions that reflect integrity and compassion.
Creating space for others to lead and grow.
Leadership is not a solo act. It’s a daily commitment to serve others and steward the culture.
The Lead Culture Framework
Catron introduces the Lead Culture Framework, a practical model for building healthy team cultures . It includes:
Passion: Aligning personal and organisational purpose.
Clarity: Defining expectations, roles, and goals.
Teamwork: Fostering collaboration and trust.
This framework is especially useful for local government officers who must lead across departments, manage diverse teams, and respond to community needs. It provides a structure for intentional culture-building, not just reactive management.
Applying Culture Matters in Local Government
Let’s explore how these principles can be applied in real-world local government settings.
1. Onboarding New Staff
Use the onboarding process to communicate culture, not just policies. Share stories, introduce values, and connect new hires to the mission. Make them feel part of something meaningful from day one.
2. Managing Change
Whether it’s a new policy, system, or leadership team, change can unsettle staff. Use the Culture Matters principles to guide transitions. Communicate clearly, reaffirm purpose, and prioritise people’s wellbeing.
3. Cross-Department Collaboration
Break down silos by fostering a culture of teamwork. Encourage joint projects, shared goals, and mutual respect. Celebrate collective wins, not just individual achievements.
4. Performance Reviews
Move beyond metrics. Use reviews to discuss purpose, growth, and alignment. Ask staff how they experience the culture and what support they need to thrive.
5. Community Engagement
Culture doesn’t stop at the office door. A healthy internal culture enhances external relationships. When staff feel valued and purposeful, they engage the public with empathy and professionalism.
Challenges and Opportunities
Building culture is not a one-time initiative, it’s ongoing work. It requires patience, consistency, and courage. In local government, where resources are limited and demands are high, it can be tempting to deprioritise culture. But as Catron warns,
“Without a team of people aligned around that mission and committed to one another, no mission or strategy will matter” .
The opportunity? A resilient culture can:
Reduce turnover and burnout.
Improve service delivery.
Strengthen public trust.
Foster innovation and adaptability.
Culture is not a soft skill, it’s a strategic asset.
Final Thoughts
Jenni Catron’s Culture Matters is a timely and practical guide for local government leaders. It reminds us that culture is not accidental, it’s built, day by day, decision by decision. By embracing the five Culture Matters, People, Purpose, Clarity, Communication, and Leadership, local government officers can create environments where teams flourish and communities benefit. As Catron puts it,
“You can have an amazing mission and a killer strategic plan, but without a team of people aligned around that mission and committed to one another, no mission or strategy will matter” .
Culture matters. And in local government, it matters more than ever.
