Extending the Ward Council | A How I Lead Interview with Ben Thatcher

Ben Thatcher is a life-long church member, having grown up in small
wards and branches across Texas. He served in the France Paris
mission and has degrees in Mass Communication (University of Utah)
and Public Administration (University of North Texas). Ben has
worked in local government in several cities across Texas and
currently is the city manager of Boerne (pronounced Burn-nee),
Texas, northwest of San Antonio. He currently serves as bishop of
his ward and has also served as an executive secretary, ward clerk,
Sunday School president, bishopric counselor, and high councilor.
When he is not at city hall or church, Ben can often be found
coaching youth baseball in his spare time. He and his wife, Summer,
have been married for over 23 years and have four sons. Highlights
02:50 Introduction and background of Ben Thatcher 08:30 What it's
like working as a city manager 11:30 Ninety percent of the time our
problems can be solved by going and having a conversation with
someone. 12:30 Tips for having tough conversations on direction of
leadership 18:50 The principle of focus Focus on fewer things
Understand your role from the handbook and focus on that 27:10 Ben
explains extended ward councils: a yearly, 90-minute council in a
new environment 30:30 The engagement principle Applying principles
used with employees at church with ward council How to support your
ward council Give the ward council a framework 36:00 Are you
talking to your members about their progress and how they are
personally? 39:15 The importance of personal talents and strengths
42:20 Ben shares an experience he had with Elder Dunn of the
seventy and what he was able to learn from him to help him as a new
bishop. 44:30 Ben had a rough first year as bishop but he explains
how he was able to turn it around and get more help from the ward
to help with the youth. 49:30 Ben applies what he has learned as a
city manager in his service in the Church. 53:40 Ben’s final
thoughts on leadership Links 12: The Elements of Great Managing
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