Editor:
Undoubtedly Sechelt's municipal council members believe they are operating in the best interests of the town's taxpayers, businesses and citizens. But are they also operating in the best interests of the integral team of people who must deliver on their promises?
The combination of a new, ambitious group of elected representatives who may have little if any expertise in municipal services planning and management, with long-serving municipal staff, can generate misunderstandings, frustration and even animosity on both sides - especially if excellent consultation, listening, communication and leadership skills are not being employed.
It all starts with a shared vision. A great leader (or leaders) works with their constituencies (importantly including employees) to craft a shared vision, broadly supported by a majority of employees and stakeholder groups. That vision becomes the centrepiece of all activity, with the enthusiastic engagement of the key players, which must include employees.
It's a recipe for disaster if elected officials' decisions are being recklessly imposed without due consideration given to the valuable input of the municipal staff. If there are elected officials or senior leaders at the District of Sechelt who believe they can run roughshod over staff to accomplish their goals, they must be held accountable.
Judy McLarty, Roberts Creek
