Leading Together: Council Manager

Key Takeaways

In council-manager governments, the division of executive and legislative authority are primarily determined by the council.

  • We are all a “works in progress”.
  • Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
  • Effective communication is the key to strong relationships.
  • Strong relationships are the key to effective leadership.
 
Most governance disputes stem from unclear processes. Processes can create Trust.

Table of Contents

Structure of Council-Manager Cities and Towns

Top Five Most Common Conflicts

  1. Authority to set the council agenda
  2. Authority to appoint (or dismiss)
  3. Authority to direct city staff
  4. Authority to develop and adopt a budget
  5. Authority to enter into contracts for the city

Top Five Most Unhelpful Responses

  1. Airing your dirty laundry in a public forum
  2. Officially censuring the elected official
  3. Discussing the conflict with others for the sole reason to gain allies
  4. Believing and acting as though your behavior or political position is 100% defensible and justified
  5. Mistaking policy differences for character flaws

Top Five Practical Solutions

  1. Remember that conflict just is
  2. Active listening: seek to understand
    • Effective listening
    • Ask open-ended questions
  3. Regulate your body and mind
  4. Differentiate your position from your interest
    • The “Nine Whys” exercise can help you understand this
  5. Process Matters

Q&A

  • How do you amend or adjust the city manager’s authority, for example, when it comes to appointment to citizens committees?
  • What are the best practices for advice and consent from the council, and how do you create more transparency?
  • Does the city manager have to live within the city?
  • Are there any recommendations to standardizing processes to ensure council-member feedback is heard before it appears on a meeting agenda?  
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