INSIGHTS
QHow do you develop a positive working relationship with elected officials ?
Just like every other successful relationship , the successful relationship with elected officials starts with trust . You earn trust by being trustworthy . You must create an environment of trust by making sure there is no disconnect in what you say and what you do . Keep your word .
As a law enforcement professional and a city manager I have learned elected officials like to be kept “ in the know .” They don ’ t like to be blindsided . Over communicate , at least initially , until you get an idea how much information they expect . Sharing appropriate and necessary information helps them relate with their constituents and keeps them responding as leaders in the community . However , sharing information must be done on an equal basis . Care should be taken not to share with one and not share with the entire group .
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This gives the appearance of special relationships – another area that should be avoided .
An arm ’ s length professional relationship is necessary with no favoritism or personal relationships . Communication must be open , candid and honest . Balance listening with speaking and support the decision of the elected officials . They are the ultimate boss only subordinate to the people who elected them . They should set clearly defined and achievable goals and as staff , you must understand them and know what constitutes success .
Competence also builds trust . Do you job and do it well . Establish credibility . Your ability to show your competency will increase the trust and commitment the elected officials have in you . A good chief will make life easier and more successful for an elected official , just like good officers make life easier and leads to the success of a chief .
But everyone will make a mistake . And you can ’ t learn from a mistake if you can ’ t acknowledge you made one . Own up to mistakes and do it quickly . Bad news only gets worse with time .
Displaying a good attitude and high morale also builds trust . Your awareness of good public relations is critical in city government . Citizens draw conclusions about elected officials by how they are treated by staff .
And to repeat an anonymous quote , “ If you work for an organization speak well of it . If you must growl , condemn , and find fault , resign your position and when you are on the outside , damn to your heart ’ s content . But as long as you are part of the institution , do not condemn it . If you do the first high wind that comes along will blow you away , and you may never know why .”
Kenny Smith has served in local law enforcement since 1982 . He served as Chief of Police in Morrow before becoming the Griffin City Manager in 2004 . He also serves Griffin as its Public Safety Director and instructs public safety professionals on the state
and national level .