Commentary: Getting on the Right Bus with a Theory

• Author: Clay Pearson
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/puar.12746
• Published date: 01 March 2017
• Date: 01 March 2017

Getting on the Right Bus with a Theory 287

Clay Pearson is city manager of

Pearland, Texas. Previously, he held city

management positions in Novi, Michigan,

and Elgin, Illinois. He is also a past chair

of the International City/County Managers

Association International Committee.

E-mail: cpearson@pearlandtx.gov

Commentary

A preeminent business thought leader who has

crossed over to support and enlighten the

public sector in many ways is Jim Collins.

Collins ’ s 2001 book Good to Great has moved

thousands of business and social sector leaders to

think hard and focus systems on strategy, brand,

and motivation. You can cite Collins ’ s references to

the majority of local government managers around

the world, and chances are good you will get back a

knowing nod.

One of Collins ’ s lessons that I have retained as

a public manager is to stick with a philosophy

and strategy. Most any substantiated leadership

philosophy, consistently and effectively applied, can have

good effect. Moving year to year from philosophy to

Clay Pearson

City of Pearland, Texas

Getting on the Right Bus with a Theory