Episode 31
Practicing HR in the public sector with Teresa Roche
February 20, 2020
After a remarkable human resources career with private tech companies, Teresa Roche transitioned to the role of CHRO in the municipal government of the City of Fort Collins, Colorado. In this episode, she shares the similarities and differences she’s encountered moving from the private to public sector, as well as the mindset that has helped her to succeed across the board.
You can connect with Teresa on LinkedIn, Twitter or by email.
Human Resources in the Public Sector: Key takeaways from episode 31
Teresa’s interest in the public sector grew out of her life-long emphasis on volunteering. While giving back is so important, volunteering can also give us opportunities to see how our skills translate into a different field and whether we may want to explore a new area professionally.
When you’re trying to attract and retain talent in part-time, seasonal, or hourly roles, it’s important to consider what Teresa calls the triple helix of healthcare, childcare, and housing. While we’re all grappling with these issues in our own lives, they tend to be especially critical for people who aren’t working full time.
A strong alignment between the culture and the mission, vision, and values is critical to achieving top results in any organization. Strategic planning that starts from the top and flows down into HR has enabled Teresa’s team to stay focused on what matters most to the city.
A customer-focused orientation transfers well from the private sector into public. Although their customers are different, listening to their needs is no less critical. Teresa also mentioned that change happens quickly, but it can also be slow to enact in a democratic process.
Combining humility and confidence can be a powerful way to lead. Humility allows you to believe that others have something to offer, while confidence helps you remember that you have something to offer as well. When things get messy, breathe deeply and have patience.
Know your purpose and recognize that it can be fulfilled in many different arenas. Part of knowing your purpose is knowing who you are, and working with a coach can be a powerful way to uncover both of these insights.
25 Books That Shaped Teresa’s Career
Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Any book by Anne Lamott—such as Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers
Any book by Pema Chödrön—such as When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times or The Wisdom of No Escape
The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement and/or The Road to Character by David Brooks
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr
Figuring by Maria Popova
Simple Habits for Complex Times: Powerful Practices for Leaders by Jennifer Garvey Berger and Keith Johnston
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity, and Caring by Parker J. Palmer
A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit
Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living by Krista Tippett
A Team of Rivals Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal by Rachel Naomi Remen
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Any book by Jodi Picoult—I love her writing as she writes about life dilemmas where there is more than one path, she does rich character development and provides knowledge about the book’s theme.
The Emperor of All Maladies and The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Goddesses in Everywoman: Powerful Archetypes in Women's Lives by Jean Shinoda Bolen
The Three Marriages: Reimagining Work, Self and Relationship by David Whyte
Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words by David Whyte
Leadership and the New Science and Who Do We Choose To Be?: Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, Restoring Sanity by Margaret J. Wheatley
Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems by Barry Johnson
Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by Adrienne Maree Brown
