APMM Series: Stephanie Teoli Kuhls and Sandra Zadell on labor relations and the path from conflict to collaboration..

Welcome to another episode in the APMM Series on PCC Local Time. I am your host Nancy Hess

Our guests today offer us a glimpse of how labor relations in your municipality can help or hinder your efforts as a manager, and significantly impact your workplace. What is unique about labor relations is that you can only really come to it through experience. No amount of study or expertise will make you good at it. You must develop a practice and an approach or style that is both authentic and appropriate for your situation.

Stephanie Teoli-Kuhls is the manager of Middletown Township in Bucks County Pennsylvania, and Sandra Zadell is the manager at Upper Gwynedd Township in Montgomery County. Both are seasoned managers and adjuncts at Villa Nova University, and as you will learn, Sandra was mentored by Stephanie. So they have a special connection that brings this episode to life.

This conversation offers a wealth of insights for managers looking to foster a collaborative and productive work environment.

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Stephanie Teoli-Kuhls

Sandra Zadell

Nancy Hess

SHOW NOTES:

[00:02:17] Signs of a Good Negotiation

• A good negotiation leaves both sides feeling neutral, without clear winners or losers.

[00:03:31] Components of a Good Relationship

• Mutual respect, open communication, engagement, and consistency.
• Importance of resolving issues proactively before they escalate.

[00:08:46] Impact on Workplace and Services

• How labor relations affect the delivery of services and workplace morale.
• The significance of fostering a collaborative culture.

[00:13:31] Engaging Unions Outside Negotiations

• Building individual relationships with union members and understanding their perspectives.
• Examples of engaging union leadership in discussions about major changes.

[00:22:08] Manager at the Negotiation Table

• Pros and cons of having the manager lead negotiations versus bringing in a professional negotiator.
• Balancing advice from labor attorneys with what is best for the organization.

[00:29:46] Top Advice for First-Time Negotiators

• Being prepared by understanding the negotiation landscape and anticipating issues.
• Being patient and trusting the process.
• Understanding that a good negotiation is one where neither side feels like they won or lost.

[00:34:50] Challenges for New Managers

• Experiences of gender bias and how it can affect negotiations.
• Importance of having supportive colleagues and mentors.

[00:43:18] Questions for Colleagues

• Balancing labor attorney advice with what is best for the organization.
• Learning from both successful and challenging negotiation experiences.