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- 5 - <br /> <br />oftentimes controversial issues. It's a given that you will be criticized and there <br />will be those who vehemently disagree with your decisions. That is unavoidable. <br />Develop a thick skin and do your best to not take personally the conflicts and <br />disagreements that are a normal part of your new role. If you don't develop a <br />thick skin, you will overreact to criticism. <br /> <br />Additionally, you are now part of an organization and will be blamed/criticized <br />for the actions of the organization that you had nothing to do with. That is the <br />reality of your new role and you should keep that in mind. <br /> <br />And remember, the city manager is not always to blame when things go wrong, <br />though he/she should take appropriate responsibility for the organization's <br />actions. It can be easy to focus your frustration on the city manager. You will be <br />happier and more effective if you can experience the normal "ups and downs" of <br />city life without needing to always find someone at fault. <br /> <br />Whatever the issue or encounter, try not to take it personally. Try to keep personal <br />likes and dislikes out of the equation. Your fellow councilmembers and the city <br />manager are not your family or personal friends; they are your "professional <br />colleagues," and you need to work effectively with them even if you would not <br />select them as friends. <br /> <br />Lastly, always "live to fight another day." There are always future issues to decide; <br />focus on those versus the votes already taken. And always remember not to burn <br />bridges due to a difficult defeat; you will need those "bridges" for future votes! <br /> <br />• Appreciate the legitimate difference between the "community perspective" and <br />the "professional/technical" perspective: <br /> <br />While you will primarily view issues from your perspective as a resident/citizen in <br />a manner similar to the other residents of the community, the city staff will often <br />have a more "technical/professional" perspective. What might make a great deal of <br />sense to the staff looking at an issue from a purely "business" point of view may not <br />be the right answer based on community perspectives and values. While the city <br />manager will do his or her best to bridge the gap between the two points of view, it <br />is very helpful for councilmembers to understand that while the staff should be <br />sensitive to community values, they will often raise issues based on their <br />professional training that can differ from a purely community values point of view. <br />An appreciation for these varied perspectives is critical to the council-staff <br />relationship. That does not mean the one perspective is "right" while the other is <br />"wrong"; but both parties should try to understand and appreciate the views of the <br />other. <br />4.A. - Page 13 of 21 <br />15