{"id":300,"date":"2026-03-27T16:00:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T21:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.phonelive.io\/?p=300"},"modified":"2026-03-30T13:54:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T18:54:46","slug":"gfg_ep45","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phonelive.io\/blog\/gfg_ep45\/","title":{"rendered":"Mastering Systems and People Skills (with James Mckechnie) | Ground Floor Government Ep. 45"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews James McKechnie, the Deputy City Manager of Wichita Falls, Texas. They discuss James’s unique career path in local government, the importance of strategic planning, and the challenges of navigating systems and finance in public service. James shares insights on the significance of people skills, ADA accessibility, and offers valuable advice for young individuals considering a career in local government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takeaways<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Good strategic plans include more than just steps and processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. You have to weigh in the finance impact, the personnel impact, and the legal impact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Navigating systems is challenging due to the people involved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Building relationships is key to successful negotiations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Finance is the engine of operating a city; no money, no fun.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Being genuine helps in connecting with people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Every day in local government presents new challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. ADA accessibility is crucial for community inclusivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Flexibility is essential in local government roles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Making a positive impact is a daily goal.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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James shares insights on the significance of people skills, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[36],"class_list":["post-300","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-technolgies","tag-audiopodcast"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMastering Systems and People Skills (with James Mckechnie) | Ground Floor Government Ep. 45 | PhoneLive Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Host Hugh Plappert interviews James McKechnie, the Deputy City Manager of Wichita Falls, Texas. They discuss James's unique career path in local government, the importance of strategic planning, and the challenges of navigating systems and finance in public service. 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