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Attributes of Exceptional Councils <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 3 <br /> <br />3. Exceptional councils honor the <br />relationship with staff and each other <br /> <br />Exceptional councils understand that a good working <br />relationship with staff is vital for the city to be run <br />successfully. Exceptional councils treat each other and <br />staff with dignity and respect. They act with civility and <br />a high level of professional decorum. Councilmembers <br />build trust by not playing the “gotcha game” and strive to <br />have a no secrets, no surprises approach as an operating <br />norm. Finally, they respect the diversity of styles and <br />perspectives among their colleagues and staff and are <br />open to new ideas. <br /> <br />KEY CHARACTERISTICS <br /> <br /> Councilmembers have the ability to <br />respectfully disagree (to disagree <br />without being disagreeable). <br />They are able to leave it at the dais; <br />debates are about policy, not <br />personality. <br /> Exceptional councilmembers reflect <br />positive decorum/model of leadership <br />by providing respectful tone with <br />colleagues. <br /> Establish a set of behaviors ahead of <br />time, potentially documented in a code <br />of conduct, to help promote civility and <br />respect. <br /> <br /> <br />BEST PRACTICE TIPS <br /> <br />Set council priorities and strategic goals at an annual meeting; these goals and priorities are a tool <br />to guide the city manager and staff on where to focus their efforts. This annual meeting provides <br />time for the council to reflect on community priorities as well as offer an opportunity to discuss their <br />decorum and their relationship among each other and the relationship between the city <br />manager/staff and the council. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />4. Exceptional councils routinely conduct <br />effective meetings <br /> <br />Open and public meetings are central to democratic <br />decision-making. Exceptional councils master the art <br />of effective meetings. They develop and adhere to meeting <br />protocols and processes. They spend time planning and <br />organizing the agenda with the aim of having a more <br />focused meeting. They allocate the council’s time and <br />energy appropriately (focused on the council’s role and <br />responsibilities) and meeting short- and long-term priorities. <br />They honor the public’s participation and engagement <br />and they generally start on time and are held during <br />reasonable hours. <br /> <br />Exceptional councils use public meetings not only for their <br />intended purpose, information sharing and decision-making, <br />KEY CHARACTERISTICS <br /> <br /> Councilmembers are respectful of each <br />other, the public and everyone’s time. <br /> Councilmembers use engaging body <br />language as a way to demonstrate <br />respect. <br /> Issues are not personalized, thoughtful <br />dialogue is the objective. <br /> Agenda packets are read, <br />councilmembers come prepared and <br />have an open mind <br /> Respect is demonstrated for varied <br />opinions. <br /> Everyone strives to be civil and act with <br />decorum. <br /> <br />4.A. - Page 3 of 21 <br />5