pages: CityCouncil/2019-12-18.pdf, 29
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CityCouncil | 2019-12-18 | 29 | City Council Workshop Workshop Report Management Partners Disagree with the recommendation/don't attack the "messenger": When dealing with a difficult issue at a council meeting, it can be tempting to not only disagree with the recommendation being presented, but also to challenge/ discredit the manager or staff member presenting the recommendation. The best practice is to focus your comments on the recommendation, not the individual Having a policy discussion devolve into a personal attack is uncomfortable and embarrassing to everyone involved. Even if you are frustrated by the recommendation, it is poor form to attack the presenter. If you do have concerns regarding how a recommendation was developed or presented, that should be provided privately to the manager. P.S.: Don't play "stump the staff" by trying to ask questions at the meeting that you think staff will have difficulty answering on the spot. It doesn't really make you look smarter, nor is it helpful to the deliberations to ask a question that cannot be answered. While staff members should work diligently to anticipate questions, it is not possible to anticipate all possible questions. If you really want the answer, get the question answered before the meeting or provide a heads up regarding what you will be asking. Conduct yourself at council meetings in a professional/businesslike manner: Even on very controversial topics with greatly varying opinions, the council deliberation can be and should be "businesslike" and professional. While it may be more entertaining (possibly from a reality TV perspective) to see councilmembers and citizens yelling and having temper tantrums, it gets in the way of thoughtful deliberations and only tends to lower the respect for the council and city in the eyes of your constituents. Consider the use of council team-building and goal-setting workshops: Recognizing the importance of both effective councilmember/councilmember and council/city manager working relationships, often an investment of time in team- building workshops is very worthwhile. These workshops allow for a thoughtful conversation of working relationships outside the context of discussing specific issues. These discussions can help create a better understanding of work styles and perspectives. Additionally, recognizing that clear direction and priorities are critical for effective council/manager relations, goal-setting workshops can be very effective forums for establishing city council and organizational priorities. - 9 - 23 | CityCouncil/2019-12-18.pdf |