pages: CityCouncil/2019-12-18.pdf, 25
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2019-12-18 | 25 | City Council Workshop Workshop Report Management Partners oftentimes controversial issues. It's a given that you will be criticized and there will be those who vehemently disagree with your decisions. That is unavoidable. Develop a thick skin and do your best to not take personally the conflicts and disagreements that are a normal part of your new role. If you don't develop a thick skin, you will overreact to criticism. Additionally, you are now part of an organization and will be blamed/criticized for the actions of the organization that you had nothing to do with That is the reality of your new role and you should keep that in mind. And remember, the city manager is not always to blame when things go wrong, though he/she should take appropriate responsibility for the organization's actions. It can be easy to focus your frustration on the city manager. You will be happier and more effective if you can experience the normal "ups and downs" of city life without needing to always find someone at fault. Whatever the issue or encounter, try not to take it personally. Try to keep personal likes and dislikes out of the equation Your fellow councilmembers and the city manager are not your family or personal friends; they are your "professional colleagues," and you need to work effectively with them even if you would not select them as friends. Lastly, always "live to fight another day.' There are always future issues to decide; focus on those versus the votes already taken. And always remember not to burn bridges due to a difficult defeat; you will need those "bridges" for future votes! Appreciate the legitimate difference between the "community perspective" and the "professional/technical' perspective: While you will primarily view issues from your perspective as a resident/citizen in a manner similar to the other residents of the community, the city staff will often have a more "technical/professional" perspective. What might make a great deal of sense to the staff looking at an issue from a purely "business" point of view may not be the right answer based on community perspectives and values. While the city manager will do his or her best to bridge the gap between the two points of view, it is very helpful for councilmembers to understand that while the staff should be sensitive to community values, they will often raise issues based on their professional training that can differ from a purely community values point of view. An appreciation for these varied perspectives is critical to the council-staff relationship. That does not mean the one perspective is "right" while the other is "wrong"; but both parties should try to understand and appreciate the views of the other. - -5 - 19 | CityCouncil/2019-12-18.pdf |