Who are you, and what do you do?
Chancy C Kittson
– Currently the Chief Financial Officer for Glacier County
– Consultant for Indian Tribes
– Private Businessman – Outdoor Entertainment
What has been one insight or lesson that has been most helpful in your career?
Identify an expert in your field and embrace them as a mentor. Take full advantage of learning all that you can from them, they have a lifetime of knowledge.
What has been your favorite mistake? A mistake that in retrospect led to a great lesson and progress.
Favorite mistake, creating a workload that consumed all my time and energy which at one point was to the point of overwhelming. I worked my way through, barely. The experience taught me the importance of time management, delegation of duties and setting priorities in work and life.
Project forward ten years. How will your industry or field be fundamentally different then? What opportunities do you see?
Local governments are just beginning to realize the benefits that information technology can provide in enhancing efficiency of services as well as increasing the ability to disseminate information to citizens at an elevated level In ten years, i would predict 90% of services will be completed online. As Tribes evolve with today’s world and develop a progressive mindset, the demand for consulting services catered to individual needs will increase. As a consultant you must stay “In-tune” with your clients. Today, because of Covid-19 I am delivering Technical Assistance trainings utilizing Zoom. In ten years, Zoom trainings may be the new normal.
What are some bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?
I was told to not apply for a higher-level position, you are too young, you are not ready. Do not be afraid to to fail, if you feel you are ready and ready to do the work you will be successful.
In the last two years, what have you become better at saying no to?
I have become better at saying no; when the urge to push off contentious issues in the workplace and home arise. If I can provide one valuable piece of information it is this; As a professional you will encounter contentious issues where you will deliver unfavorable news, do not postpone dealing with the issue, it will not miraculously resolve itself. Address the issue immediately, remember this is business.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
Thomas Friedman’s “The World is Flat” illustrates where our world is today with an emphasis on the importance of Information Technology. Failure to evolve with today’s technological evolution will result in you being left in the past.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
Do not be afraid of a challenge, dive in with both feet. Ignore the notion to “Take it slow”, the quality education you are receiving at U of M will prepare you for any challenge you may face.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
Do not strive to be better than your competition, strive to be better than you were yesterday.