GFOA Alberta | Clarity Grop Global Present How to Manager Difficult Employees and Stakeholders

Brief Introduction:

As government finance officials, you face unique challenges that go beyond standard employee management. Not only must you address poor staff performance, but you also need to navigate complex relationships with stakeholders—such as council members, board representatives, and the public—without sparking unnecessary conflict.

This two-hour webinar—based on the bestselling book Step Up or Step Out—will equip you with practical strategies to handle both underperforming employees and difficult stakeholders. You’ll learn how to tackle these issues swiftly and create a work environment where everyone can thrive.

What You Will Learn:

• The Truth About Conflict – Why managing difficult people—employees or stakeholders—doesn’t have to be adversarial, and how proactive conflict resolution can preserve valuable relationships.
• The Three-Step Process – A repeatable, research-backed framework that helps you address underperformance and stakeholder tension effectively within a short timeframe.
• The Power of Expectations – How unclear expectations fuel frustration, and how to set precise goals for both staff and external stakeholders to reduce misunderstandings.
• Having the Right Conversations – Proven techniques for resetting expectations—whether you’re dealing with a staff member or a stakeholder—without unnecessary tension or drawn-out disputes.
• Four Ingredients of Workplace & Community Disaster – Key pitfalls that derail teams and disrupt stakeholder relations—and how to avoid them to maintain a productive, trust-based environment.

Who Should Attend

• Finance Directors / Managers overseeing municipal departments and stakeholder engagement
• Controllers and Treasurers leading teams that interact with council and community members
• Human Resources Professionals in government finance who manage staff performance and stakeholder relationships
• Municipal Administrators responsible for both internal operations and external communication
• Anyone tasked with balancing team leadership and stakeholder collaboration in a government finance context

Benefits of Attending: 

• Improve Team & Stakeholder Relations – Implement clear processes to turn around underperforming employees and manage difficult external parties effectively.
• Boost Workplace Morale – Foster an environment where high performers excel and stakeholder relationships are more collaborative and transparent.
• Reduce Conflict & Stress – Tackle performance issues and stakeholder disputes with confidence and clarity, minimizing tension and potential legal or political complications.
• Save Time & Resources – Employ a streamlined approach for difficult conversations—both internally and externally—freeing you to focus on strategic finance initiatives.
• Enhance Public Trust – Manage stakeholder expectations proactively, strengthening credibility and trust in municipal finance operations.

About Your Presenter:

Jonno White

Jonno White is co-founder of Clarity Group Global and author of Step Up or Step Out, which has sold over 10,000 copies worldwide. Known for helping leaders build the type of workplace culture that employees will move cities to work in, Jonno specializes in guiding both public and private sector leaders through effective strategies for managing difficult employees and stakeholders.

He has coached teams globally, sharing his proven three-step process for improving performance and resolving conflicts. Jonno also hosts The Leadership Conversations Podcast, heard in over 150 countries, featuring discussions with top leaders such as Guy Kawasaki. Through his webinars, consulting, and speaking engagements, Jonno equips leaders with practical tools to build high-performing, engaged teams and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders.