City Manager Ben Williamson: Champion of Servant Leadership and Sustainability

Ben Williamson's path to public service started like many other college students - confused and searching. A chance encounter with a waiter who was also a firefighter led to an internship in emergency management, igniting his passion for public service and reshaping his entire career. Fast forward to today, where he is a City Manager leading a team focused on reimagining what a small city can be, one innovative project at a time.

Under his team's leadership, the City of Farmer's Branch has become a laboratory for sustainable urban living. Solar panels now adorn city buildings, electric vehicle charging stations dot the landscape, and a park system provides a green heartbeat to the community.

Ben's journey offers valuable lessons about the power of servant leadership and its ability to transform our organizations and communities. His insights also remind us of the importance of looking for and recognizing the potential for positive change in every interaction we have and decision we make.

The Heart of Leadership: Relationships and Servant Leadership

At the core of Ben’s leadership philosophy is a deep-seated belief in how you treat others and build relationships. He asserts, "You never know who you're going to meet again and in what capacity. It goes back to the fundamental principle: treat everybody well, regardless of rank, position, or title." This belief is a guiding principle in his day-to-day interactions and decision-making processes.

He views leadership not as a position of power, but as a responsibility to serve others.

"Servant leadership is core to our culture here. I have the best job in the world. It’s extremely demanding, but I love it because I’m surrounded by amazing people and get to be part of an incredible team."

For him, leadership is about humility and service, and he emphasizes that his role is to support his team. "If any of my team members need anything, I'm there for them. I fight for my team and prefer talking about their accomplishments rather than my own," he adds, reflecting his commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.

His approach to leadership is not about individual accolades, but about collective achievement.

"When I receive my performance evaluation, I celebrate it with my team. My success or failure reflects how I interact with my team. As City Manager, it's not about me; it's about the team. I always thank my team for their performance and contributions."

He is also a firm believer in the importance of mentorship and the value of continuous learning. He dispels the common misconception that the most impactful mentors must be above you in rank, stating, "They just have to be someone who can teach you something you don’t already know." This allows for a more dynamic exchange of knowledge and fosters a culture of mutual growth and learning within organizations.

Turning Points: The Internship That Changed Everything

Ben’s path to becoming a city manager was anything but straightforward. He openly shares his early struggles in college: "I was not a good student at first and switched between four different minors." However, it was during this challenging period that he discovered his passion for public service, thanks to a pivotal internship in emergency management.

Though the internship experience opened up doors to his future career, it would not have happened if it weren't for a colleague he met while working in the restaurant industry.

"A waiter who was also a firefighter in Grapevine, Texas, helped me get an internship in their Emergency Management Office. That internship changed my life and made me fall in love with public service. Eventually, I figured out how to be a great student and completed my Masters."

The value of being open to new opportunities and building collaborative relationships is another lesson he carries with him to this day.

Lessons in Leadership: From Fire Station to City Hall

Throughout his career, he has received valuable advice and learned important lessons that have shaped his leadership style and approach to public service. These experiences, starting from his early days as an Emergency Management Coordinator and Assistant to a Fire Chief, have been instrumental in his professional growth.

One of the most crucial pieces of advice came from Fire Chief Mike Starr in Southlake: "Always share your career aspirations with leadership." He took this advice to heart, as he explains:

"When I accepted my first position in Farmers Branch, I told the City Manager I wanted to be a City Manager one day."

This openness about his goals guided him through multiple career transitions and helped him navigate the complexities of leadership. Remarkably, just six years after sharing this aspiration, he achieved his goal.

Another pivotal moment in his career was a humbling experience that taught him the importance of always being available to support his team and others:

"One day, a peer at the City of Southlake called me out because I had walked past her while she was carrying water, thinking I was too busy to stop and help. I remember her calling me a jerk, among other things! She probably has no idea how much that talk impacted me, but it taught me to quit using what I'm working on as an excuse to avoid helping others."

This incident left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of servant leadership and being attentive to the needs of colleagues, regardless of one's position or workload.

His tenure in city administration has also been marked by an enthusiasm for continuous learning, particularly in the areas of performance metrics and strategic management. He vividly recalls his introduction to these concepts:

"I was introduced to performance metrics and strategic management at the City of Southlake. It blew my mind, and I loved it. Southlake pushed me, and I loved the challenge!"

He has since implemented those tools in every role and municipality he has served: "Over the years, I have incorporated Southlake's lessons, implementing performance management and employee surveys in cities that didn't have them."

In reflecting on his career journey, he credits the valuable lessons learned in Southlake - from the importance of helping others to the power of performance metrics - as key factors in his professional success and his ability to effect positive change in the communities he serves.

One City, One Vision: Breaking Down Barriers

Since becoming the City Manager at Farmer Branch, one of Ben’s most significant achievements has been fostering a sense of unity across the various departments within the city. He emphasizes the importance of seamless collaboration between departments. "We have a concept of ‘one city,’ meaning that there are no barriers between my police department, fire department, public works department, or any other department," he explains.

This approach has not been without its challenges. He acknowledges that achieving this level of collaboration required "tough conversations and tough actions," but the results have been worth the effort.

"I’ve made a lot of leadership changes since becoming City Manager in December 2022. My team looks to me to uphold our culture and not allow people to walk all over it. I’m proud that our team is excited and happy to be here. I don’t look for people who want the spotlight. If you want the spotlight, this probably isn't the team for you.”

Sustainability and Innovation: Leading by Example

Ben is particularly proud of the city’s sustainability efforts, which he views as critical to the city’s future and its appeal to the next generation of workers. "We're putting in charging stations and have solar panels on most of our buildings; our sustainability efforts are significant," he notes. He believes that smaller cities like Farmers Branch have an advantage in implementing sustainability initiatives because they are more agile and less bogged down by bureaucracy.

"Bigger cities make news for what they say they'll do, but smaller cities do it."

He views the city's strides in environmental sustainability as essential for attracting and retaining talent. "Our city is branded as a 'city in a park,' with a lot of green space. My city hall backs into a park and trail system, not surrounded by concrete," he explains. His vision is not just about meeting current needs, but also about ensuring that the city remains a desirable place to live and work for future generations.

Parks have been intentionally integrated throughout the city's landscape to appeal to new workers. Most recently, the city completed the construction of Joya, a park with glow-in-the-dark playground equipment that is the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

The city advocates sustainability through other initiatives including installing solar panels, implementing a recycling program, and promoting a brush diversion program, as these efforts also make good business sense. "Solar panels on buildings have a return on investment of seven years, with a lifespan of 18 years after the investment is repaid," he proudly shares.

The Role of City Manager: Balancing Management and Leadership

Ben is committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. He leads by example, ensuring that he treats everyone with respect, regardless of their position.

“I seldom lead with my title. One lesson I learned in another city, the hard way, is that sometimes you learn from negative behaviors. There was a director there who would not talk to me because I was a brand-new employee without a leadership position. I promised myself that I would always respond to anyone, regardless of the title.”

This commitment means making it a point to get to know the people he serves, both within the organization and in the community. "Meet the people you are here to serve. We often get caught up in our day-to-day activities and lose sight of the people we are here to serve," he reminds us, emphasizing the human side of public service.

He offers a nuanced perspective on his current role, highlighting the balance between management and leadership. Challenging the often-romanticized notion of leadership, he shares:

"It's okay to be the boss and the manager. You don't always get to be a leader."

For him, leadership is also about being willing to make tough decisions, but it’s not something that can be done 24/7. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of strong management skills in ensuring the smooth operation of the city.

This pragmatic approach is reflected in his leadership style, which is ultimately grounded in clear communication. He encourages his team to bring solutions, not just problems, to the table, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership and being proactive.

"Bring solutions. If the boss solves all your questions, why are you needed?" he shares, urging others to think critically and take responsibility for their roles.

A Vision for the Future: Empowering the Next Generation

As he looks to the future, Ben is focused on empowering the next generation of public servants. He recognizes that attracting and retaining talent in local government requires more than just competitive salaries; it requires a compelling vision and a strong organizational culture. "We're competing for the same workforce that everyone else is," he notes, highlighting the challenges of recruiting in a competitive job market.

He believes that the key to success lies in creating a workplace culture that resonates with people’s values and aspirations.

"You need a vision for your organization, not just a vision statement. Most people won’t know the mission or vision statements, but if you’re successful, they'll know your core values. Establishing our brand quickly helps people know what they're getting into. A true vision for today and tomorrow that includes how people can be part of it is crucial."

For him, it’s about creating an environment where employees feel valued and where they can see the impact of their work on the community.

Ben-isms: Leadership Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders

Ben's leadership is not just about high-level strategy; it's also about practical, actionable advice that he shares with his team - insights he refers to as "Ben-isms." These nuggets of wisdom can offer valuable guidance for aspiring or new leaders:

Make the boss look good: "Everyone has a boss. Remember, leadership is not about you. Support your team and superiors, and make sure everyone shines."
Be curious, not judgmental: "Approach challenges with an open mind, seeking to understand rather than to judge."
No surprises - focus on micro-communication: "Keep communication clear and consistent to avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone is informed."
Bring solutions, not just problems: "Take ownership by thinking critically and proposing solutions, not just highlighting issues."
Assumptions are the mother of all mess-ups: "Don’t fill in the gaps with assumptions. Instead, seek out all the information before making decisions."
Tell me something good: "Start meetings on a positive note, acknowledging something you're thankful for, either personal or professional."
Hard on the problem, soft on the people: "Address issues directly, but always with respect and understanding for the individuals involved."
Wait 24 hours to react: "Give yourself time to process before responding to emotionally charged situations."
Do it scared: Thank Brene Brown for this one. "Embrace challenges even if you're afraid - growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone."

These insights cover the practical, human-centric approach that Williamson advocates, offering a roadmap for those looking to lead with integrity, empathy, and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Ben Williamson hopes to be defined by his commitment to servant leadership, his emphasis on relationships, and his unwavering focus on sustainability and innovation. His journey from a struggling college student to the city manager of a thriving city is an example of perseverance, continuous learning, and a deep-seated belief in the value of public service.

He and his leadership team are transforming Farmers Branch into a model of what a small city can achieve with the right vision, culture, and commitment to excellence. Their 'boss' is the community, and they're working hard every day to make them look good!

Additional Resources

Take a look at these resources mentioned by Ben: