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1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Leading public organizations and governing with colleagues on a council is a challenging art of <br />community service. The Institute recognizes that many aspects of leadership and governance are not <br />intuitive. This piece is intended to provide councilmembers and city managers insight into the attributes of <br />exceptional councils as well as provide practical tips to help them become exceptional. <br /> <br />1. Exceptional councils develop a sense <br />of team – a partnership with the city <br />manager to govern and manage the city <br /> <br />The mayor, councilmembers and city manager see <br />themselves and work as a team as they undertake a <br />series of tasks to further their common purpose. The <br />individual team members work in a coordinated and <br />collaborative manner with a high degree of respect, tru st <br />and openness. The team values diversity in style and <br />perspective. The team thinks and acts strategically as it <br />examines issues/situations and decides on a course of <br />action serving their city’s mission and goals. <br />KEY CHARACTERISTICS <br /> <br /> Successfully transition from candidate <br />to a member of the council. <br /> Become a champion of the city. Make <br />decisions based on the needs and <br />interests of the community at-large / the <br />greater good. <br /> Develop, communicate and support <br />policy goals and council decisions. <br /> Demonstrate a willingness to work <br />collaboratively (as a team) and have a <br />citywide perspective. <br /> <br /> <br />BEST PRACTICE TIPS <br /> <br />Build capacity to create a more effective team. The governance team (mayor, councilmembers and <br />city manager) should get to know each other; how each person approaches issues, decision making <br />style and so on. This can be accomplished at annual meetings or workshops through-out the year. <br />In the event that councilmembers disagree, clear ground rules (norms of behavior and practice) can <br />help quell acrimony before it becomes a problem. It’s important to remember that trust is built <br />around understanding and respect, not necessarily agreement. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Attributes of Exceptional Councils <br />4.A. - Page 1 of 21 <br />3