Overcoming dysfunction to maintain effective governance

As an elected official serving on a council or board, you may have witnessed behaviors that hinder effective governance. These actions have the potential to disrupt decision-making, undermine collaboration and damage relationships within the governing body. Some of the most common signs of dysfunction include:

• Personal attacks
• Inappropriate language
• Refusal to let others speak
• Undermining colleagues through the media or other public forums
• Being deliberately uncooperative
• Embarrassing colleagues or staff
• Excessive opposition to decisions even after a majority vote
• Stacking the audience to sway decisions
• Treating colleagues as adversaries
• Acting outside of predetermined roles

These behaviors, whether intentional or not, are disruptive to the functioning of a governing body. Not only do they create a hostile work environment, but they prevent the group from effectively addressing community needs. If you’ve observed similar dynamics within your council or board, it's important to recognize these as signs of governance dysfunction that need to be addressed immediately.

The consequences of ineffective government
Matt Fulbrooke, a researcher specializing in board effectiveness, emphasizes that "governance is the intentional creation of effective conditions for decision-making." When dysfunction takes hold, it impedes the board or council’s ability to take action and make informed, timely decisions. It also diminishes the quality of dialogue, reduces transparency and ultimately delays solutions to the challenges facing the community.

In local government, governance dysfunction can have serious consequences. The inability to work together cohesively results in stagnation, with essential decisions and actions left delayed or unaddressed. Over time, this dysfunction can destroy relationships, erode public trust and hinder community progress.

Why governance matters
By prioritizing effective governance, elected officials can ensure that the local government operates smoothly, effectively and in a way that best serves the community. Here are a few key reasons why governance is so crucial:

• Accountability: A clear governance structure ensures that all officials and managers know their roles and responsibilities. When roles are clearly defined, it’s easier to hold individuals accountable for their actions and decisions.
• Efficiency: Well-structured governance allows decision-making processes to run smoothly and efficiently. When everyone understands their role and responsibilities, decisions can be made more quickly, reducing delays and improving overall operations.
• Maintain integrity and transparency: Good governance fosters trust throughout the community, as citizens can easily understand and follow the decisions being made by their elected officials and are aware of who to go to for questions that may arise.
• Community representation: Elected officials represent the needs and interests of their constituents. Effective governance ensures that the local policies enacted by the council or board are in line with the desires and priorities of the community.

Working toward effective governance
Building and maintaining effective governance practices isn’t easy. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to overcome dysfunction and guide the governing body toward more productive decision-making.

Collaborative workshops with specialized consultants are designed to strengthen relationships within the governing body and encourage effective governance. These workshops typically focus on the following areas:

1. Transitioning from competitor to collaborator: One of the first steps in improving governance is helping council members shift from a mindset of competition to one of collaboration. During campaigns, elected officials often position themselves as competitors. Once in office, they must learn to work together as a cohesive unit to achieve shared goals and move the community forward.
2. Understanding roles and responsibilities: Effective governance starts with a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each council or board member. Consultants can help officials review governing codes, regulations and laws to ensure that everyone understands their obligations and what is expected of them in their official capacity.
3. Establishing ground rules and operating procedures: A key element of successful governance is agreeing on the norms and operating procedures that will guide the governing body’s work. There should be discussions to establish a shared understanding of the ground rules for how the council or board will govern. This ensures that everyone is speaking the same language.
4. Ensuring alignment of goals: A big part of effective governance is aligning the goals of the governing body with those of the staff. Consultants work with councils and boards to ensure that their priorities align with staff goals and that there is a shared commitment to achieving those goals. This alignment helps ensure that both elected officials and staff are working toward the same vision for the community.

Whether you connect with Baker Tilly or undertake this work independently, it’s important to remember that effective governance is not a destination but an ongoing process. You should focus on fostering a growth mindset and guiding your council or board toward better decision-making and, ultimately, better outcomes for the community. With the right structures in place and a focus on collaboration, you can overcome dysfunction and build a stronger, more effective governing body.