This advice opinion column is centered around KJ’s desire to be “strong” mayor. It also offers criticism of his approach and handling of the situation to date…
1) LEARN how to build consensus. Build a coalition of friends and foes, just as Obama is doing with his cabinet. A coalition, NOT a KJ-ition. In business, building consensus means having the BUY IN from your colleagues before you go launching ideas.
Take the strong mayor initiative for example. A seasoned consensus builder would have worked with stakeholders behind the scenes and quietly molded consensus, and then, e.g., held a press conference on the steps of city hall a year from now with city council and city manager in full attendance, and stated “WE think Sacramento is ready for a “strong” mayor referendum and WE ask you to join us. ” Instead we got a Sac Bee column from you two weeks into your mayorship called “MY View.” If you’re going to be a respected leader, you will need to change paradigms from “MY View” to “OUR View.”
2) Work on self awareness. It is a critical leadership skill. You have to be aware of the chinks in your armor at all times and not be afraid to discuss them. Discussion of one’s challenges gives rise to the perception one is humble.. and approachable.. and accessible.. and open-minded… and inclusive. Given your confidence in your ideas, and “my view” approach to sharing them, I am inclined to believe you have the wrong impression of people’s opinions of you.
Case in point: There is a blogger on sacbee.com named JimWood. Throughout the election season he posted the same words over and over and over: ‘ANYONE BUT FARGO.” If JimWood’s sentiment is shared by a lot of residents, which I believe it is, that would mean you’re lucky to be in office, not the people’s hero.
My persistent advice is to step away from all your trusted advisers and confidants and instead start talking to your many critics. If you could walk away from a round table with, e.g., Missappy, Rich Wake, Susan Shields, et al and still think as highly of your own reputation, you would have made one narrow escape. As Bill Gates says: Your BEST ideas will come from your most VOCAL customers. Do you even see Sacramento residents as your CUSTOMERS?
3) Build some bridges before you plan the expressway. In my estimation you have too many burned, severed and unbuilt bridges in Sacramento to be the kind of leader who can simply launch a unilateral idea in local paper and expect en masse support. Time to be a trustworthy friend to Sacramentans before you try to be their boss. Many Sacramentans didn’t elect you boss; they elected you weak mayor with the expectation you were going to do a lot of on-the-job-training. They expected you to be a good student and learn the game, not demand the rock and every shot down the floor.
Do you realize people post things about you like “Once a ball hog always a ball hog”? Are you ok with those perceptions? I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I was the new mayor and people thought those things about me. I would be working hard to dispel those perceptions to gain the support of those vocal people.
Slow down already. Lose the suit jacket, roll up your sleeves and start acting like a friend to Sacramentans and not their authoritarian. By the way, who **IS** KJ without the suit and tie? Most of us have no clue. All we hear is well-rehearsed rhetoric.
4. Share the spotlight with Sacramento residents. Allow Sacramentans to come up with new ideas and initiatives and give them the credit for them.
Case in point. Sacramento resident Jim Knapp has worked with a group of people on a new non profit company he created called “Build America.” The company’s business charter is probably the biggest win-win idea I have seen presented in Sacramento since I moved here in 1989. The charter is two fold: 1) Rehab houses in the Sac area with the $30,000,000 the federal government is giving us; 2) Provide on the job training for underprivileged youth, who will work with the Build America principles on all facets of home construction and earn money in the process.
What a GREAT idea KJ! Have you heard about it? The deadline is looming in January, and as it stands Jim has been trying to get a meeting with you for three weeks and you are not being responsive. Yet at the same time you have time to meet with Newsom for his radio show to push you strong mayor idea? I don’t get it. Why haven’t you met with Jim and his team yet to go over their outline?
Here is my pro bono contribution to the effort so far.. the logo..
Does this idea rock, or what? Can you see all of its benefits? The city benefits, the neighborhoods benefit, the youth benefit, the residents get to play a literal role in rebuilding parts of the city (same as Obama wants to do with highways), and man we all know there is NOTHING that stops a bullet like a job. Kevin Johnson told us that himself during his campaign.
I must say I have the impression KJ is off to a poor start as mayor. I am not seeing the consensus building, the inclusive leadership style, the embracing of Sacramento residents’ ideas, the team-oriented approach to problem solving, the bridge building, or anything other than some charity work and promotion of his own ideas. Is this what we have to look forward to for the next four years? I sure hope not.
Another good post. I noted earlier today over at sacbee.com that though I found little on which to agree with you during the mayoral campaign (I’m yet another long-time KJ observer and strong critic dating back to the Sac High takeover days..), I’ve since come to respect the work you’re doing here. Strong mayor, weak mayor or something else altogether, effective honest governance is essentially an outgrowth of what we insist on as citizens. Your willingness to ask tough questions, offer advice and express disappointment — and then hold those you elect accountable — is the stuff! There are no shortcuts. For what its worth, you’ve got an enthusiastic new reader…I doubt I’ll always agree–in fact, I’m sure I won’t, but you’re too good at this citizen-agitator-blogging-thing to ignore.
Great article. I’ve learned a great deal from it myself. Joe, I fought so long and so hard… Lately, I’m letting things get the best of me–I know I need to slow down. I don’t have to fight so much …I’m learning SO many of substance are fighting back… Heck when I read your column I see their is a light to exit darkness, their is hope, their is love. It takes love to reach out to help guide a man (and others) I don’t see your articles as attacks–they are in the spirit of love-in effforts for change. You could simply write of Johnson appearing to be ego driven but you don’t– you write to help, you don’t just show him his flaws you provide the way for him to redirect his path, you show him how he could go about actually seeing, understanding and finding the man in the mirror… That’s love Joe. That is a gift and a blessing. Not everyone can do what you do and the way you do it. I really do see it/ I really do see the love within your writings. I was hit in the face with it when I read this article. And sometimes we all have to step back and view the man/ woman in the mirror I appreciate the advice you’ve given today to Johnson and I take it to heart as well. Much respect.
I do not say this lightly, in fact I don’t say it often, I really do value your opinion, you are really appreciated.
And yes, Build America rocks. It is a wonderful idea…Someone sent me an email a while back I have to check but it sounds like it may be this particular program if so I have some contacts I will email your way.
Welcome Lori! I totally agree with your comment. This is a one of a kind site and i am very thankful for the time and thought that is put into it especially considering I have never seen a promotion or an ad here for anything other than to promote a non profit. That is indeed the stuff! Rock on Joe!
Thanks all, but a lot of people contribute to my thinking behind the scenes and in the comments here. That is why I changed the name of the site to Joe Sac & Friends.
My Dad is one of those friends. He asks questions I hadn’t thought to raise, and often times has me walk him through my thought process.
Other friends copy me on emails they have sent to other people, or send me links to articles, or commentary about meetings they have attended or things they are hearing, or educate me in their comments as Rich Wake has about Sac schools, or introduce to me others.
This last week I made several significant connections with people in Sacramento, one of which yielded an introduction to a local philanthropist angel named Jenny Williamson who was featured in the Bee for wanting to build a home to care for and nurture young women who are former prostitutes or victims of the sex trade.
These people and many others are the ones I am indebted to. They are the reason this site continues to grow in readership.
I genuinely appreciate all the support, love and friendship.
More info on Jenny Williamson if you missed it: http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/1170902.html More on this in a future article.
Hello everyone, this is Joe’s wife
Joe and I adopted a family to assist from Loaves and Fishes. Single mom, two children (1 and 2 years old) living in the Pocket area. She was homeless for over a year and with assistance finally got off the streets. We visited her this weekend and brought some things to her apartment. When we walked in she was sitting on the floor with her beautiful little babies because all she has is a tv and a tv stand. No furniture whatsoever and a wreck of an old big screen tv in her living room (presumably from the last tenant)
I would like to ask for help from anyone you know who can assist with the following requests:
We need the following:
1. Someone with a truck who can help us deliver the stuff needed below and haul the big screen to the dump
2. Someone with access to a decent condition sofa they can donate
3. Someone to donate an end table
4. Someone to donate a table lamp
If no volunteers emerge, Joe will post a PayPal link for donations. We want to make this happen by this coming weekend.
Please let me know how you can help!
Thanks!
Unlike the mainstream media with their hidden agendas, “Joe” the owner of this blog does come across as being sincere. I thank you “Joe” for the opportunity to share what God has laid on my heart with your readers. Like others, I don’t always agree with everything you write, in the same way you do not agree with every commentator on your blog, but I do perceive a down-to-earth, welcoming atmosphere here. So after so many months of reading the political news and views from various sources, I felt led to share.
You are a voice of reason. So many of your insights are heart-felt. My prayer is that God will use you for such a time as this. God bless you!
For those of like-precious faith, do remember to pray for Kevin Johnson. He is not a perfect man, nor is he invincible. I believe he has good intentions, stemming from his faith and a heart to do what is right, but with us humans, other things get in the way. So by all means, do pray over your homes, your schools, your churches, your communities.
The Son of God did not come to destroy life, but to save!
Joe’s wife-
Thank you for all you do allowing Joe to spend so much time on his blog! I know it drives my husband crazy when I’m hunkered down over the keyboard and ignoring the rest of the world!
We don’t have a truck or any furniture but I’d be happy to put some money to paypal to help cover the cost. Does she need other stuff?
We spent yesterday teaching our son about giving- by shopping for toys for the Salvation Army. He looked like we were torturing him by making him roam the aisles of Toys R Us and the Disney Store picking out stuff he couldn’t keep. But in the end, it all made sense. He said he wished he could be there on Christmas Eve to see their happy faces that he made happen. Priceless.
Hello SacramentoBlog. Thanks so much. He went to great lengths to find this thingy for his laptop that allows him to sit on the sofa comfortably and write so he could be out in the family room with us in the evenings and still do his blog. Now he’s even learning how to listen to me and answer my questions as he types. He just gets better and better!
Gatekeeper thank you for the very nice words.
Happy holidays to all of you
1. Truck isn’t a problem…4×4 toyota pickup…don’t know if that is large enough for what you have in mind…if you can’t find anything closer give me a ring (email is part of sign-in) and will drive off the mountains…assume this is somewhere between Chevy’s on the River and ARCO….
2. After this latest ditty from Terri Hardy (she also spotted the Tsakopolous/Convicted Felon Frank Harding Natomas School District Swamp Land Purchase Scam) concerning Garbage and lack of any due diligence on the part of the City concerning fly-by-night garbage burning enthusiasts it is a wonder why anyone questions the need for someone, ANYONE in charge…
Cole,thanks. We’ll try to find someone closer first, but failing that we may take you up on your offer.
Joe I have a truck and a 5 x 12 trailer which will haul a lot… it’s yours anytime you want it buddy
Joe’s Wife, Do you know about http://www.freecycle.com? It’s a local listserv that allows people to give away stuff they no longer need for FREE. There is often furniture on there. The only condition is that the Freecycler who wants an item has to pick it up. Hope this helps! BTW, do the kids need any toys or stuffed animals?
joes wife: also on Cragilist under furniture a person I know was able to get nice furniture (bedroom set for her daughter, desk… all for free. I often see couch and tables as well.. and also within the Pennysaver under free stuff I’ve seen furniture.
Thanks all. We’re checking on these resources.
Let the man have his power. Without the power he doesn’t stand a chance in hell you idiots!
Turn over power to some NBA star who has never held office, who probably molested two high school girls, has lied about it and paid them off, owns run down structures in the poorest part of Sacramento and many remain unusable which is a disgrace, has had fed’s investigate his school management, has been in office 10 days and thinks he can change the system without and insights from residents or other elected officials-a power grab for an untested novice. Wisely, most of the comments here and other’s I have heard, oppose this stupidity, why can’t he just try being mayor for a while in the current system we have. Many want to know more about him and his leadership skills. I hope we don’t get stuck with some pathetic KJ agenda and with his new powers, it would be harder to reverse. Have you read what his supporters on the council say, his plan is a joke the way it has started, all this means is that another weak, average person is in charge of this great city.
Knowing Roger he is being sarcastic. That aside, let’s hope he’s not right.
I would really like to hear the opinions of council members on this. I will try to ping a few and see if they are interested in dicussing
I have no problem with KJ moving to a strong mayor system. But the way he has handled it shows immaturity, lack of finesse and little understanding of politics. It has always seemed a bit odd to me that Sacramento, a large city, runs with a weak mayor system. In theory, in a weak-mayor system, the City Manager should have some power but be held accountable to the entire council. However, we’ve seen in the past that Fargo’s unofficial dominance of the city manager has made some parts of city politics more complicated than necessary. A strong mayor system would create a more realistic level of power structure for a city of our size and issues.
I also support KJ’s idea of throwing a bone to the council and offering up some veto power over hiring and firing. That would present an idea that would be best of both the strong and weak system.
It’s all in the presentation. So far, KJ needs a fancy cake decorating class or something. He appears to believe he has magic that makes everyone fall in love with his ideas no matter what.
Council person Kevin McCarty sent me this via Facebook:
“..the publicized view from the Mayor and his spokesman [is] that the “dialogue” starts now to discuss and debate only his proposal. This differs from my definition of a “dialogue” about charter reform, which I believe [should] focus on what elements should be included…..not just debating yes or no on the first proposal out of the gate.”
Kevin McCarty’s position seems to support my first point of this article to the letter:
1) LEARN how to build consensus. Build a coalition of friends and foes, just as Obama is doing with his cabinet. A coalition, NOT a KJ-ition. In business, building consensus means having the BUY IN from your colleagues before you go launching ideas.”
I am a KJ fan. I love me some Kevin Johnson. He is good for Sacramento. I am glad we got rid of fargo. But I don’t like Kevins decisions lately at all. I want him to get the hell away from gavin newsom and all these other mayors and come home and talk to sacramento folks again. I want his mayor time to be like his campaign time was you know—with the residents. Where is that kj? Is he gone now?
I voted for KJ, and I think Sacramento could benefit from strong mayor just as SacBlog says above. But there is no way I think KJ is ready for that job this soon and I don’t think he will be ready in June either. I so do not like the way he brought “my view” out in the Bee like he is some sort of luminary. I think you are right Joe in that he is very confused about the public’s perception of him. He thinks the public see him as a governor type figure of sorts and I think he is very wrong about that. The public does not worship him like his handlers and fans do. The public wants him to simply do his job and prove himself as a capable leader and apparently he doesn’t get that. And that part worries me the most about the next four years with him. Good stuff Joe. Keep the questions and suggestions coming !
Joe what is the status of Mr. Knapp’s idea now? Has anything changed? Does he have a meeting set up with Kevin yet? If not maybe you should hit up Lisa Serna-Mayorga and ask her to talk to him about the Build America idea? I think it is fantastic at face value and I’d love to hear Johnson’s take on it. It seems to be the kind of thing he says he wants to do? Seems like he would be drooling all over this idea. I’m kind of perplexed.
I agree with the masses that Kevin Johnson needs to pay his dues. I want him to stop the promo tour and get to work. I also want to take a tour of city hall this weekend and I hope Mr. Johnson will be ok with it and consider it good customer service. I am not going to make plans or put in a formal request ahead of time because that would deny the security guards a chance to show their great customer service skills. Mr. Johnson I will be touring your office too so please leave your door unlocked. After my tour I will submit a review to Joe Sac with my experience and rate city hall customer service.
Fernando I would like to join you on your tour mi amigo. Let’s at least let them know we are coming though so in the good holiday spirit of Christmas they can have cookies and milk ready for us. I will consider the unauthorized tour a failure if there are no refreshments.
I would like to request another customer service check too in the spirit of Joe Sacramento’s great advice to the mayor columns. At the end of the first 90 days of Mayor J’s tenure I would like to request you Joe administer a customer and peer satisfaction survey on this web site to all Sacramento City council members and stakeholders who have had the pleasure of working with the new mayor in his first ninety days. I will look forward to reading their fantastic feedback and I’m certain the good mayor will be very appreciative of the assessment as well given his propensity for accountability.
Hi Joe. I saw a reference made to you today by Stuart Levinson on the Bee’s Swarm blog. Good for you
Thanks for the heads up, Susie.
Stuart’s columns get buried and I probably would have missed this had you not pointed it out!
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/the_swarm/2008/12/017830.html#more
Long time Joe
How ya been? Just got back from Wisconsin. It feels warm here compared to there! I have a lot of catching up to do here! Happy holidays Joe and family
Hi Mr. Green! Wisconsin ay? What ever compelled you to go to Wisconsin?
I finally figured out how to add something to this web site! I will be Word Man!!
Today’s word: Ensconced – Placed in a secure environment; Settled comfortably.
Discuss.
-Word Man
Great word. I love words. I’ll use yours in a sentence…
So are you suggesting KJ is ensconced in city hall already?
I was ensconced at work until I was shackled and chained to my desk by my authoritarian boss and forced to work hours only a madman would work.
Lauren–
I was ensconced at my desk, not planning to comment, until I read your post and I laughed so hard I nearly fell over. In fact I’m still laughing (not at you — but with the tone and the quick draw of your comment) 
Oh my goodness, the comment from Fernando is also great. Help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up… I settled back in my chair and read more and I just keep laughing…. In truth this is not a laughing matter; it is sad and disappointing but it sure feels good to laugh and be on a site where it doesn’t get so ugly…people can agree or disagree but it doesn’t get hate-filled. Thanks Joe for the way your articles are written