250 Cities That Think: Old Methods to Solve New Problems
Community & Government | Available (Membership Required)
Solving modern problems is a challenge! Everyone has unique perspectives on how to go about developing solutions and criticisms. This can lead to division and polar positions on controversial topics. In the 1960s, Dr. Edward DeBono studied the human brain and determined the six ways of thinking. He wrote Six Thinking Hats in 1985. This course will explore the use of this mechanism for dealing with simple or complex issues. It will explore how retired City Manager Mark Watson received nationwide recognition for training over 200 people to make the city of Yuma, Arizona better through conscious thinking processes that devotes more time to solving and less time for arguing community issues.
Mark Watson
Dr. Mark Watson previously served as City Manager of Oak Ridge, Tennessee for 15 years. He is a recognized leader in the field of public management and has served 8 cities in 4 states as their Chief Executive. Dr. Watson is a second-generation city manager and has been active in state, national, and international management organizations. He has been recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the University of Kansas and has recently been granted a lifetime membership in the International City/County Management Association where he has served as Vice President and Chair of its International Committee. Dr. Watson has a doctorate in political science from the University of Tennessee and has also trained 28 interns through his 47 years of service who are now city managers and senior staff officials. He has served in Texas, Montana, and Arizona cities. He has worked in urban, rural, medical, federal, and agricultural communities. Dr. Watson lives in Oak Ridge with his wife, Jenna. She is also very active in the Oak Ridge community.