Minutes - 1999/03/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council March 22, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Coughlin stated they were all human and subject to error. He indicated that all would do things that others perceive to be incorrect, however, they may not be aware of this themselves. He stated this rule signifies that they should recognize this, deal with it, and learn from it. 6. Have realistic expectations of everyone, and have patience. Mayor Coughlin explained that there have been situations of expecting the impossible or near impossible from mere mortals. He pointed out that it is very difficult to live with the mantle of those high expectations, and this rule indicates that they should be realistic in their expectations. Follow the chain of command. Mayor Coughlin indicated this rule pertains to the recognition that in order for a good management structure to succeed, there must be a flow of information, so that each individual may perform their specific duties, most efficiently. • 8. Identify and prioritize issues, and clearly state directions and goals. Mayor Coughlin explained that they should not express themselves through vague concepts, but rather, get to the heart of the matter, and move on. 9. Tell the painful truth. Mayor Coughlin indicated that this rule is essentially, "tough love," in that there is no merit in dancing around an issue, or attempting to wallpaper over ideas that need to be discussed, because this behavior only serves to breed resentment. He advised that it is preferable to bring issues out in the open, deal with them, and move on. 10. Keep your sense of humor, and find some enjoyment in this job. Mayor Coughlin pointed out that regardless of what the letters to the editor may indicate, what their superiors may say, or what the Council may say, they are all humans, and need to keep their perspective. He noted that humor has been documented to be one of the best medicines available to mankind. Mayor Coughlin indicated they had referred to these rules as the "Ten Commandments," and would all sign the document, commit to these ideals, and hold each other accountable to them. He explained that if they work together as a team, they could accomplish much more than that they could do as individual cogs in the machine. Mayor Coughlin indicated the Staff/Council Retreat was difficult and painful at times, however, it was valuable, and was time and money well spent. Council Member Marty stated he had been apprehensive and anxious with regard to the Retreat, however, he had hoped for the best. He indicated there were some tense times, and some uncomfortable moments, however, by the end of the seminar, he felt that things had gone fairly