10 Habits of Highly Effective Councils

The quality of leadership effectiveness demonstrated by a governing-body and its ability to be a highly-effective council are the result of disciplined adherence to a set of fundamental principles and skills. The ten habits common to highly-effective councils (governing bodies) are:

Think and act strategically.

Understand and demonstrate the elements of team and teamwork.

Master small-group decision-making techniques.

Have clearly defined roles and relationships.

Honor the council-staff partnership.

Conduct systematic evaluations of policy implementation.

Allocate council time and energy appropriately.

Have clear rules and procedures for council meetings.

Get a valid assessment of the public’s concerns and evaluation of council’s performance.

Practice continuous learning and development as a leader.

With few exceptions, every council can be highly effective and can provide strong leadership; but to do so requires a good governance model and the will to learn, practice, and perfect the fundamental habits of effectiveness.