Review: Tales From the Trenches: Achievements, Blunders and Challenges in Local Government Management
Features:
- Series of ‘cases’ or anecdotes about local government management
- Covers management issues, communication, working with elected officials, budgeting, and more
- Includes lessons learned from successes and mistakes
- Provides tips and advice from experienced professionals
- Insightful glimpse into the event-filled life of public managers
- Includes an Instructor’s Manual with discussion questions, case studies, and management exercises
Benefits:
This book, Tales From the Trenches: Achievements, Blunders and Challenges in Local Government Management, is one of the best practical books on local government management available. It offers a series of ‘cases’ or anecdotes that cover various aspects of local government management, including management issues, communication, working with elected officials, budgeting, and more. The authors provide the scenario for each case and then share the lessons learned, not just from successes but also from mistakes made. This gives readers a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and achievements in local government management.
One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of ‘tips’ sections for each chapter. These tips offer valuable advice and insights from experienced professionals in the field. Whether you have prior experience in local government or not, these tips provide practical guidance and an inside look at what it’s like to work in this field.
Another benefit of this book is the insightful glimpse it provides into the event-filled life of public managers. The eleven chapters reflect key public manager responsibilities and challenges, and each chapter contains several stories that illustrate these concepts. The stories are written in a straightforward manner and are true to life because they were contributed by current and former local government managers. This adds authenticity and credibility to the book.
Additionally, this book comes with an Instructor’s Manual that complements the main text. The Instructor’s Manual includes discussion questions for each tale, along with numerous case studies, management exercises, and questionnaires. This makes it a valuable resource for educators and mentors in the field of local government management.
Minor Drawbacks:
While this book offers valuable insights and practical advice, it may not be suitable for readers who are looking for a comprehensive theoretical analysis of local government management. The focus of the book is on real-life cases and anecdotes, which may not satisfy those seeking a more academic approach.
Conclusion:
Tales From the Trenches: Achievements, Blunders and Challenges in Local Government Management is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in local government management. It provides valuable insights, practical advice, and real-life examples that give readers a comprehensive understanding of the field. The inclusion of tips from experienced professionals and the Instructor’s Manual make it an even more valuable resource. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone considering a career in local government, this book is a must-read.
