Expertise for Municipalities Non-Profit Association (E4m)

I am a Councillor….

One of the most dangerous statements we hear today is “We’ve Always Done it This Way!”

First let us say THANK YOU, we know those are not words you hear very often as a Councillor.  And we want to express our appreciation for the work that Municipal Councils do.  It is not easy being an elected official in a Municipality.  It is even more difficult if you are experiencing negative press/social media, challenges at the Council table or with municipal employees, and complaints to the Integrity Commissioner.

Councillors most often contact E4m when they feel that they have no voice at the Council table, or they are unhappy with their Senior Administrator (or another employee), or they have problems with a handful of demanding residents and want to know what they can do about it. 

Great cities don’t just happen. They are the product of imagination, leadership, hard work and constant adjustment”.  

Clover Moore

Lord Mayor, City of Sydney

The Key Themes…..

  • Divided Council
  • Councillors Speaking Badly About Other Councillors 
  • Poor Council Staff Relations
  • Council Wants to Fire the Senior Administrator
  • Allegations of Workplace Harassment
  • Multiple Staff Resignations/Stress Leaves
  • Micromanagement by Council or the Senior Administrator
  • Negative Press
  • Multiple Complaints to the Integrity Commissioner

 

The Foundations of Good Governance Include …….

  • Desire to Serve as Opposed to the Desire to Only Serve Oneself
  • Respect for the Municipal Level of Government
  • Understanding the Difference Between Governance and Administration/Operations.
  • Adopting/Consistently Implementing the Right Policies
  • Having a Vision/Plan
  • Hiring the Right People and Giving Them the Right Tools
  • Engaging Citizens
  • Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

 

The Common Problem…… Dysfunction……

  • Lack of Respect Between Members of Council
  • Unwillingness to Accept the Decisions of Council
  • Unwillingness to Respect the Role of Council and/or Officers/Employees
  • Personal Agendas
  • Lack of Self-Awareness
  • Poor Communication 
  • Misunderstanding of Council’s role
  • Hiring of a Senior Administrator Who is Not the Right Fit
  • Hiring a Senior Administrator who doesn’t understand their role and Council’s role
  • Poor Performance Management Practices
  • Lack of Focus (no Council Term Plan or Community Strategic Plan)
  • Informal Council Meetings
  • Poor or Non-Existent Policies/Failure to Follow Policies 
  • Inability to Adapt to Change

Our world and how we do things is rapidly changing.  Communities that do not adapt to this change will be less likely to thrive……

How We Work With Municipalities….

E4m’s network of municipal and other professionals who apply their skills and expertise in providing the following which are customized according to the specific needs, resources and aspirations of the Municipality:

  • Modernization/Go Forward Strategies
  • Administrative/Organizational Reviews
  • Council Term & Strategic Planning
  • Training and Workshops
  • Rent-a-Professional (Clerk/Treasurer/CAO) Services
  • Policy By-law Drafting/Workshops
  • Coaching, Mentorship/Training for Members of Council and Municipal Employees
  • Wellness Coaching/Program Development
  • Conflict Resolution/Risk Assessments
  • Leadership & “Team” Building
  • Employee Recruitment Support
  • Workplace Investigations
  • Integrity Commissioner Services
  • Public Education

 

E4m is able to provide comprehensive services through our connection with an extensive network of municipal experts based here in Ontario.

Integrity Commissioner
Wellness Services
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Download Role and Responsibility Card