The Southland Times reports that Environment Southland councillors are to be offered the opportunity to attend a course on establishing and maintaining working relationships with chief executives.
Human resources co-ordinator Jan Brown told the Times reporter that the timing of the offer had nothing to do with 'the disputes' between the CEO and the Council. Wednesday's Council meeting will be a very interesting one, with councillors getting an opportunity to discuss the desirability of such a training course and their comments should make great copy.
I have a question on the agenda too, that asks about what is and isn't appropriate to say to journalists, with examples to illustrate my concerns.
I expect there will be some pursing of lips and narrowing of eyes, but I'm "used of it" as one of my ex- students was fond of saying.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
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4 comments:
Wow...so Southland rate-payers are potentially forking out money on how councillors should be nicer to their CEO's? Less of those niggly questions that might involve some squirming?
Bring on the "pursing of lips and narrowing of eyes" Robert.
Sometimes, Suz, the narrowing of eyes equates to the taking of aim :-)
Every councillor should be nice to their CEO, don't you think?
I certainly was.
That course could be invaluable to some, I reckon.
Fishy as in "of questionable character; suspicious"- of training for Councilors just a week after the CEO, Ciaran Keogh, decided to resign just prior to a personal grievance hearing. Keogh was regarded by government ministers and others as one of the best and enlightened local body CEO's; he just missed out as the CEO of the Christchurch City Council- the second largest city in NZ, because of Christchurch local politics. He has a reputation for being innovative, but at the same time sticking to what local authorities can and cannot do that could be at different, to what (political) councilors want.
CK is just what we want in local authority CEO's. Keep the politicians honest
It seems to me that the problem of ES and the and with the Chair Ali Timms. Timm's has developed a reputation as being a rather narcissistic person who wishes control not only of the Board but the function of the Executive that in most normal organizations is the preserve of the CEO and staff.
Compare Chair Timms with Frana Cardno the long serving Mayor of Southland District Council - no comparison really. Frano knows what her role and her Councilors role is, plus that of the CEO and staff.
Perhaps Chair Timms and Councilors should book themselves on an Institute of Director's course. Within one day they will learn about their formal role with a CEO.
Mind you, I can see another ECAN coming on- replacement with Commissioners.
Nick Smith ought to be concerned and act quickly.
Yours is a rigorous strop-up, Fishy and it certainly sounds as if you know your onions. There'll be tears all round for some reading this. Your comments about Frana are very interesting. She certainly has steered her course for a long time here in Southland.
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