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Transition is a reality that even the most accomplished CAOs may face. It can be a challenging time for you and your family, requiring resilience and reflection as you navigate towards your next opportunity. Remember, you don’t have to go through it alone. Your network of fellow managers can provide support, friendship, and fresh perspectives—lean on them, as they are here to help.
This guide was crafted specifically for OMAA members in transition. It is designed to meet you where you are, providing resources that respect your privacy, dignity, and comfort level. Your OMAA membership follows you, regardless of your previous position—staying with you as you transition.
In professional sports, coaches are often hired knowing that their time at the helm is limited. Whether due to team performance, leadership changes, or external pressures, the revolving door of coaching is simply part of the job. While CAO and City Manager roles offer rewarding compensation and the chance to make a meaningful community impact, their roles also come with risks. Political changes often reshape local government leadership, and a new governing body can bring a new agenda. Political and ethical challenges can happen at any time during a during a term of Council, which can lead to a desire for change. Accepting these positions means understanding that transitions can happen.
As the top administrative leader, a CAO must navigate complex political environments, manage shifting priorities, and steer municipalities through unpredictable challenges. Given this dynamic, it’s not unusual for CAOs to be replaced when political winds change. Being "fired" or asked to step aside is a common outcome—not necessarily a reflection of poor performance, but a sign of the ever-changing landscape of public administration.
Much like sports coaches, CAOs are expected to bring their A-game, knowing that their tenure is often tied to the elected council's vision. This makes adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking essential qualities. When their term comes to an end because of a decision by Council, it is not a failure; it’s part of the profession.
A CAO’s ability to move forward after being let go can be seen as a badge of honour. It shows they have been trusted with significant responsibilities, faced unique challenges head-on, and have the courage to lead again in another municipality. Just like seasoned coaches, experienced CAOs often come back stronger, equipped with even more insight and perspective to make a difference in their next role.
So, for CAOs, getting "fired" is not the end of the story. It is part of a broader, evolving career in leadership — where adaptability, experience, and perseverance define success. Transition is not an end — but the start of a meaningful new chapter.
This guide includes practical steps for managing a transition and advice for supporting colleagues who are also MITs. Whether you are facing an involuntary departure or choosing to leave, this guide offers strategies for managing career, family, and a successful job search ahead.
This guide was crafted specifically for OMAA members in transition. It is designed to meet you where you are, providing resources that respect your privacy, dignity, and comfort level. Your OMAA membership follows you, regardless of your previous position—staying with you as you transition.
In professional sports, coaches are often hired knowing that their time at the helm is limited. Whether due to team performance, leadership changes, or external pressures, the revolving door of coaching is simply part of the job. While CAO and City Manager roles offer rewarding compensation and the chance to make a meaningful community impact, their roles also come with risks. Political changes often reshape local government leadership, and a new governing body can bring a new agenda. Political and ethical challenges can happen at any time during a during a term of Council, which can lead to a desire for change. Accepting these positions means understanding that transitions can happen.
As the top administrative leader, a CAO must navigate complex political environments, manage shifting priorities, and steer municipalities through unpredictable challenges. Given this dynamic, it’s not unusual for CAOs to be replaced when political winds change. Being "fired" or asked to step aside is a common outcome—not necessarily a reflection of poor performance, but a sign of the ever-changing landscape of public administration.
Much like sports coaches, CAOs are expected to bring their A-game, knowing that their tenure is often tied to the elected council's vision. This makes adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking essential qualities. When their term comes to an end because of a decision by Council, it is not a failure; it’s part of the profession.
A CAO’s ability to move forward after being let go can be seen as a badge of honour. It shows they have been trusted with significant responsibilities, faced unique challenges head-on, and have the courage to lead again in another municipality. Just like seasoned coaches, experienced CAOs often come back stronger, equipped with even more insight and perspective to make a difference in their next role.
So, for CAOs, getting "fired" is not the end of the story. It is part of a broader, evolving career in leadership — where adaptability, experience, and perseverance define success. Transition is not an end — but the start of a meaningful new chapter.
This guide includes practical steps for managing a transition and advice for supporting colleagues who are also MITs. Whether you are facing an involuntary departure or choosing to leave, this guide offers strategies for managing career, family, and a successful job search ahead.