Navigating the Complex Dynamics: The City Manager’s Role in Balancing Council Expectations and Institutional Knowledge
The relationship between a city manager and the governing legislative body is complex. Since city managers often outlast elected officials, they possess valuable institutional and procedural knowledge that elected officials may lack. This raises questions about the manager’s role: should they simply follow the council’s instructions, act as a trusted advisor, or provide guidance based on their historical knowledge? The situation is further complicated by the unique personalities and expectations of each elected official.
Effective municipal managers have mastered the skill of managing relationships. They understand the needs and priorities of each elected official and develop strategies to address them. This includes identifying sensitive issues that could trigger strong reactions and finding ways to support elected officials while minimizing potential conflicts. Additionally, successful managers know how to communicate with residents, making them feel heard and understood. Ultimately, people want to feel that their concerns are being acknowledged.
Having spent almost a decade as an elected official myself, I have a unique perspective on this dynamic. I recall the weight of responsibility that comes with being elected and representing fellow citizens. Elected officials are ordinary people faced with extraordinary tasks, and understanding this helps me navigate my role as a city manager more effectively.
In short, municipal managers must understand that while we live and breathe municipal management, those to whom we report most likely do not. They need our humble advice and guidance so that they can make their own decisions. Our best course of action is to position ourselves as a trusted professional resource.
I will say this – having spent time as both an elected representative and as an appointed executive, I’ll take appointed executive every time. There is nothing more difficult than an elected trying to please most of the people most of the time.